The Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission (ABEC) is participating in the 13th Annual Meeting of Election Management Bodies (EMBs), a high-level international conference taking place in the city of Batumi, Georgia, from June 17 to 18.

Representing Antigua and Barbuda at the forum are Commission Member Alrick Daniel and Public Relations Officer Elisa Graham. Antigua and Barbuda is the only Caribbean nation among representatives from 20 participating countries.

The annual meeting brings together election officials, policymakers, governance experts, and representatives of election management bodies from around the world to examine the challenges and opportunities posed by disinformation, artificial intelligence (AI), and social media in modern electoral processes.

Held under the theme, “Disinformation Strategies, Artificial Intelligence, and the Role of Social Networks in Information Integrity,” the conference focuses on safeguarding democratic institutions in an era of rapidly evolving digital communication technologies.

Over the two-day meeting, delegates are participating in expert-led discussions and policy sessions examining the relationship between information integrity and election administration.

One of the key sessions, “Electoral Processes Under Pressure: The Influence of Disinformation,” explores how coordinated disinformation campaigns can influence voter behaviour, shape public perception, and undermine confidence in electoral institutions and outcomes.

Another major discussion, “Disinformation as a Policy Challenge: Mechanisms, Drivers, and Implications,” examines disinformation as a systemic issue requiring coordinated responses from governments, election authorities, technology companies, civil society organisations, and the media.

The conference’s third major session, “Artificial Intelligence and Social Networks in Electoral Processes: Opportunities and Risks,” is examining the transformative impact of emerging technologies on election administration. Discussions are focusing on how AI can enhance voter education, support data analysis, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen engagement with the electorate.

Delegates are also assessing the influence of social media platforms on political communication and voter participation, while exploring strategies to balance technological innovation with accountability, transparency, and democratic safeguards.

For ABEC, participation in the conference provides an important opportunity to strengthen institutional capacity and remain informed about emerging global trends affecting election management.

Commenting on the significance of the meeting, Daniel and Graham said electoral institutions today face challenges that extend beyond the traditional administration of elections.

“Disinformation, rapidly advancing technologies, and the increasing influence of digital platforms require Election Management Bodies to be proactive, informed, and responsive,” they said.

They noted that the conference offers an opportunity to learn from international counterparts, examine innovative approaches to protecting electoral integrity, and contribute to discussions on the future of democratic governance.

The ABEC representatives are also scheduled to present a case study from Antigua and Barbuda on the topic, “Architecting Public Resilience Against Disinformation,” highlighting the country’s perspective and experiences in addressing information integrity challenges.

ABEC said its participation underscores the Commission’s continued commitment to administering free, fair, transparent, and credible elections while investing in professional development, institutional strengthening, and the adoption of international best practices that support democratic governance and electoral excellence.