CENA officials from Benin undergo AI training in New Delhi

A delegation of officials from Benin’s Independent National Electoral Commission (CENA) is currently in New Delhi for an intensive week-long program focused on artificial intelligence applications in electoral processes. The training, running from July 6 to 10, 2026, is hosted by the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM) under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) initiative.

Key areas of focus during the training

The program covers a broad range of critical topics designed to equip election officials with cutting-edge tools and insights. Sessions include:

• AI in electoral administration: How artificial intelligence can streamline voter registration, ballot processing, and result tabulation.
• Digital governance: Best practices for integrating AI into public sector operations while maintaining transparency and accountability.
• Ethical and legal frameworks: Addressing data privacy, bias mitigation, and regulatory compliance in AI-driven election systems.
• Cybersecurity: Protecting electoral infrastructure from digital threats and ensuring the integrity of online voting systems.
• Risk management: Identifying vulnerabilities in AI applications and implementing safeguards for secure deployment.

Interactive learning and knowledge exchange

The training blends theoretical instruction with hands-on experiences. Participants engage in case studies, live demonstrations, and collaborative workshops alongside experts and peers from electoral bodies across multiple countries. This peer-to-peer learning environment fosters the exchange of practical strategies and lessons learned from real-world implementations.

The CENA’s participation in this program reflects its commitment to modernizing Benin’s electoral infrastructure. By adopting AI and other technological innovations, the commission aims to enhance the transparency, efficiency, and security of future elections in the country.

Building a future-ready electoral system

This initiative is part of a broader strategy to align Benin’s electoral processes with global best practices. As the country prepares for upcoming elections, the integration of AI-powered solutions is expected to play a pivotal role in ensuring fair, credible, and resilient voting systems. Officials returning from the training will bring back actionable insights to implement within the CENA’s operational framework.

By Mariama Hamani — Analyst