A high-level delegation from the Elections Commission of Maldives participated in the regional training programme titled “Artificial Intelligence: Opportunities & Risks for Electoral Integrity in Commonwealth Asia,” held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, from May 5–9, 2025. The five-day event was organized under the Commonwealth Election Professionals (CEP) Initiative by the Commonwealth Secretariat, in partnership with the Election Commission of Sri Lanka and with support from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. 

 

Representing the Commission were: 

• Mr. Mohamed Zahid, President 

• Ms. Shahula Ismail, Director of Electoral Management 

• Mr. Mohamed Aneel, Director of Administration and Information Technology Division 

• Ms. Fathimath Shaushan Moosa, Assistant Director, Planning, Policy and Research Section 

 

 

The programme brought together senior electoral leaders from across the region including India, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka for a strategic exploration of Artificial Intelligence in election management. Key themes included the ethical and legal dimensions of AI use, countering disinformation, and the development of preliminary regional guidelines for the responsible integration of AI into electoral processes. 

The Maldives delegation actively engaged in discussions and shared national experiences, reaffirming the Commission's commitment to innovation, transparency, and regional cooperation in safeguarding electoral integrity. 

 

 

Participants concluded the training with a renewed commitment to ethical innovation and maintaining the integrity of democratic processes in the digital age. The CEP Asia workshop represents a significant milestone in supporting Commonwealth electoral institutions as they adapt to emerging technologies and challenges.