By Atlantic Reports

The ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions (ECONEC) has adopted regional guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence in electoral processes, with implementation support now a priority.

The network’s Permanent Secretary, Serigne Ka, announced the development during a delegation’s visit to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.

Ka, who also heads the Electoral Assistance Division at the ECOWAS Commission, said the guidelines were finalised at a two-day validation meeting involving information technology experts and electoral officials.

The process followed recommendations from an ECONEC symposium held in Dakar in November 2025, after which a specialised working group was established to draft the framework.

Responsible Use Across the Region

Representing ECONEC Chair Abdoulaye Sylla, Ka said the framework was intended to safeguard democratic integrity as electoral institutions encountered expanding uses of AI.

“Now that the guidelines have been adopted, we will see how in the sub-region we are going to use AI in our electoral processes. AI is here to stay and our focus is on how to manage it responsibly,” he said.

He appealed for international support to help member states implement the guidelines and emphasised the value of sharing practical experience.

Adoption marks agreement on a regional framework. The supplied account did not reproduce its provisions or explain its legal status, implementation timetable or compliance arrangements.

INEC Highlights Security and Voter Services

Receiving the delegation, INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan said cooperation among electoral commissions could strengthen institutions and help address common challenges.

“No electoral commission has a monopoly on experience or knowledge, so we have valuable lessons to share and to learn from one another,” he said.

Amupitan identified cybersecurity and voter services as areas where digital tools could support electoral administration. He discussed possible applications in voter registration and responses to frequently asked questions.

Those remarks outlined potential uses rather than announcing the deployment of a particular AI system.

For voters, the practical questions include whether automated information is accurate, personal data is protected and errors can be corrected through accessible human support. The meeting account did not detail those safeguards.

Cooperation Beyond Technology

Amupitan said credible elections required independent, professionally managed institutions committed to the rule of law, alongside support from political parties, the judiciary, security agencies, civil society, the media and citizens.

He reaffirmed INEC’s willingness to assist other West African electoral bodies through technical exchanges, joint post-election reviews and institutional collaboration.

The regional guidelines provide a starting point for coordinating AI use. Their effectiveness will depend on clear safeguards, staff capacity and transparent implementation that protects voters’ rights and public confidence.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.