ABEC Leaders Represent Antigua and Barbuda at Global Democracy Forum in India

Senior officials of the Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission (ABEC) are participating in a major international forum on democratic governance and election administration currently underway in India.

ABEC Chairman, His Excellency Ambassador Arthur G. B. Thomas, alongside Supervisor of Elections Mr. Ian S. Hughes, is attending the India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management (IICDEM) 2026, being held from January 21 to January 23 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.

The high-level conference is organised by the Election Commission of India, through its India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM), in collaboration with International IDEA. The event forms part of India’s current chairmanship of the Council of Member States of International IDEA.

More than 40 Election Management Bodies from over 30 countries are represented at the conference, alongside diplomats, senior election administrators, academics, and democracy practitioners. Discussions are centred on strengthening democratic institutions and safeguarding electoral integrity in an era of rapid political, social, and technological change.

The overarching theme of IICDEM 2026 — “Democracy for an Inclusive, Peaceful, Resilient and Sustainable World” — highlights global efforts to enhance public trust, inclusivity, and resilience within democratic systems.

As part of the official programme, Chairman Thomas is scheduled to contribute to a thematic session titled “Regulating Media Campaigns” on Friday, January 23. His presentation will examine the growing challenges facing election authorities, including the rapid spread of unverified information, opaque political advertising, and coordinated manipulation across both traditional and digital media platforms.

Drawing on international best practices and Antigua and Barbuda’s own regulatory framework, Chairman Thomas will outline core principles for effective media regulation. These include equitable access to media, transparency in political advertising, disclosure of sponsorship, balanced coverage, and protections against hate speech and incitement. He is also expected to address emerging threats such as misinformation, artificial amplification, and political micro-targeting, while sharing practical approaches suitable for small states and developing democracies.

ABEC’s participation in IICDEM 2026 reinforces Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to independent, professional election management and democratic governance. It also provides an opportunity to contribute Caribbean perspectives to global discussions while engaging with innovative practices shaping the future of elections worldwide.