AI for Electoral Actors: How Senegal's Workshop Redefined Electoral Governance

The Intersection of AI and Electoral Governance

The recent AI for Electoral Actors workshop in Senegal marked a significant milestone in the intersection of artificial intelligence and electoral governance. Organized by International IDEA in collaboration with the Direction Générale des Élections du Sénégal (DGE) and supported by Microsoft and OpenAI, the workshop brought together Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs) and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) from Western Africa to explore the role of AI in enhancing electoral processes.

Addressing Electoral Risks

The discussions at the workshop approached AI from an intersectional perspective, considering both ethical and democratic implications. Participants highlighted the benefits of AI, particularly in enhancing electoral processes. Many EMBs shared experiences with biometric voter registration, noting that AI-driven systems have made registration more secure, accurate, and advanced. However, they also emphasized the importance of ensuring inclusivity, particularly for individuals with identity-related disabilities.

The Need for Inclusive AI Implementation

A key focus of the workshop was placed on gender-based bias and discrimination. Given that 88% of online deepfakes target women, participants stressed the critical role of fact-checkers and electoral authorities in protecting women’s rights and ensuring their full participation in democracy. Another concern raised was racial bias in AI systems, underscoring the need for careful and context-sensitive implementation to prevent discriminatory outcomes.

The Bottom Line

Senegal's AI workshop demonstrated the potential of AI to enhance electoral governance when implemented inclusively. By fostering dialogue on both opportunities and risks, the workshop marked an important step in supporting EMBs and CSOs in navigating the complex intersection of AI and democracy.