ECOWAS electoral bodies adopt AI guidelines for elections

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Network of Electoral Commissions (ECONEC) has approved guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in elections across West Africa.

The permanent secretary of ECONEC and head of the Electoral Assistance Division at the ECOWAS Commission, Serigne Ka, announced this on Tuesday during a visit by the network’s delegation to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja.

Ka said the guidelines were designed to protect democracy in West Africa as the use of AI continues to grow in public administration and election activities.

He explained that the guidelines were finalised during a two-day meeting in Abuja involving technology experts and electoral officials.

The meeting followed recommendations made at the ECONEC Symposium held in Dakar, Senegal, in November 2025.

Ka described the guidelines as necessary, noting that artificial intelligence had become an important part of modern administration.

He added that a special working group was established after the Dakar symposium in 2025 to develop rules for the use of AI in elections.

Ka also called on the international community to support the implementation of the guidelines across ECOWAS member states.

In his response, INEC chairman Joash Amupitan praised ECONEC for creating a platform where electoral bodies in West Africa could share knowledge, strengthen their institutions and address common challenges.

Amupitan said the use of AI and cybersecurity measures was important for protecting election systems, building public trust and improving services for voters.

He stressed that sustaining democracy in West Africa required independent and professionally managed electoral bodies that operated within the law.

He also noted that political parties, the judiciary, security agencies, civil society organisations, the media and citizens all had important roles to play in protecting democracy.

The INEC chairman reaffirmed the commission’s readiness to support other electoral bodies in West Africa through technical assistance, joint post-election assessments and cooperation.

He said such partnerships would help strengthen electoral institutions and maintain democratic standards across the sub-region.