Artificial intelligence (AI) offers significant potential to strengthen electoral administration by enhancing inclusion, integrity and efficiency, contributing to global progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals. While electoral authorities have long used AI-driven tools—such as pattern detection, ballot reading and biometric systems—rapid technological advances and growing public scrutiny have brought renewed attention to AI’s role in elections. As opportunities expand, so do risks: poorly implemented or untrusted AI can threaten human rights, undermine political participation and erode public confidence in electoral processes. 

Meeting this challenge requires a holistic approach that integrates electoral expertise with technological competence to achieve safe, secure and trustworthy innovation. The Global Digital Compact provides principles and actions to guide election management bodies in adopting AI responsibly, with emphasis on data governance, transparency, accountability and public trust. Building political and societal consensus around AI use is essential, especially when applications affect rights or involve high autonomy. Broad engagement among electoral authorities, state institutions, civil society, the private sector and the public is critical to ensuring safeguards for privacy, non-discrimination and vote secrecy. Ultimately, AI in elections must be deployed in alignment with human rights, with inclusion prioritized and data governance recognized as foundational.