Freetown, 6th July 2026 – Four staff members from the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) are in New Delhi, India, attending a high-level international capacity-building course on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and elections.
The training, hosted by the India International Institute of Democracy and Electoral Management (IIIDEM) under the Election Commission of India, in partnership with International IDEA, runs from 6–10 July at the IIIDEM Campus.
The Sierra Leonean delegation includes Engr. Samuel Kandeh, Engr. Nasiru Brima, and Engr. Isaac Foday — specialists in ICT operations, electoral data management, and technology solutions — alongside Marilyn N. Dixon from the Inclusion Department.
The course explores cutting-edge applications of AI in voter registration, education, election management systems, data analytics, cybersecurity, and combating misinformation. It also examines ethical and regulatory frameworks to ensure responsible use of AI in electoral contexts.
ECSL officials say participation will significantly boost the Commission’s technical capacity to safeguard electoral integrity, expand voter inclusion, and strengthen evidence-based decision-making in election planning and administration. Delegates are expected to return with practical skills, policy insights, and international best practices to guide ECSL’s ongoing digital transformation and inclusion initiatives.
“This training is a timely opportunity to deepen our expertise and adapt global AI practices to Sierra Leone’s electoral environment,” an ECSL spokesperson noted, adding that the staff will cascade knowledge gained to colleagues, enhancing resilience in electoral systems and improving services for voters nationwide.
The initiative underscores ECSL’s commitment to innovation and inclusiveness, positioning Sierra Leone to harness technology responsibly in building a stronger, more transparent democracy.
