Press Releases

Sarajevo, April 16, 2024. - The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) and the Rule of Law Centre of Finland ( (RoL Centre), in partnership with the Central Election Commission of Bosnia and Herzegovina, are hosting today's all-day regional discussion "Which role for artificial intelligence in electoral processes?" ”, which takes place in Sarajevo.

In recent years, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, is rapidly expanding amid public enthusiasm, curiosity, and concern on their impact on democracy around the globe.

Elections will be particularly affected by the rapid spread of artificial intelligence tools. But how should AI be understood within the electoral process and how does it differ from other technologies already used in elections? How can it be applied by the bodies for the implementation of elections, preserving, and possibly strengthening, the integrity and trust of the public in the elections? Conference participants are trying to answer these and other questions through discussion.

The event aims to foster a common understanding of artificial intelligence among election participants, particularly by analyzing the global experience with artificial intelligence tools and the presence of potential elements of artificial intelligence in the digitization of elections across the Western Balkans.

The discussion also dwells on how Electoral Management Bodies of the Western Balkans should approach AI developments under the prospect of EU accession and the EU’s role as a regulator and standard setter in the field.

Participants in the discussion are representatives of Election Management Bodies from the Western Balkans region, international and domestic governmental and non-governmental organizations and institutions, university professors, researchers, and experts from BiH and abroad in the field of artificial intelligence.