Previously last week, we launched a Leadership and Artificial Intelligence Skills for Electoral Stakeholders (LEAD‑AI) training in Lusaka, Zambia, bringing together 30 participants from public institutions, civil society organisations and the media for an intensive capacity‑building programme. The training, implemented under the EU-funded PRO‑DEM Zambia project, was delivered by ECES Team, Joachim Baggnan (Senior Electoral Expert and LEAD Trainer), Granville Abrahams (Senior Electoral Management Expert) and Sylvestre Somo (Senior Electoral Expert and LEAD Trainer).
The opening ceremony marked the start of a dynamic learning process, with welcoming remarks from a representative of the European Union Delegation in Zambia. Their interventions highlighted the importance of equipping electoral stakeholders with the skills necessary to respond to emerging challenges affecting democratic processes, particularly those linked to technological change, information dynamics and societal polarization.
Throughout the training participants were introduced to how AI can support strategic planning, evidence‑based decision‑making, communication and transparency, while also examining the risks associated with its misuse in electoral contexts. Particular attention was given to the role of artificial intelligence across different phases of the electoral cycle, including voter information, data analysis, risk monitoring and institutional communication.
A key strength of the LEAD‑AI training lies in its multi‑stakeholder approach. By bringing together representatives from state institutions, civil society and the media, the programme fosters dialogue across professional backgrounds and institutional mandates. This diversity enriches exchanges and supports a shared understanding of challenges and responsibilities, reinforcing cooperation as a central pillar of electoral resilience. Group work, scenario‑based discussions and simulations are used to strengthen negotiation, communication and collaborative problem‑solving skills.
Through the LEAD‑AI training in Zambia, we continue to adapt our copyrighted methodologies to evolving contexts and emerging challenges, supporting electoral stakeholders in navigating a democratic landscape increasingly shaped by digital innovation.
