The Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM) participated in the 7th General Assembly of the Association of World Election Bodies (A-WEB), held from 12 to 16 October 2026 in Manila, Philippines, and hosted by the Commission on Elections of the Philippines (COMELEC) and the Secretariate of A-WEB. The ECM was represented by President Mohamed Shakeel and Commission Member Hassan Zakariyya.

 

A-WEB brings together 120 electoral management bodies from 110 countries and convenes its General Assembly biennially as its highest decision-making body. As part of the programme, the A-WEB Executive Board meeting was held on 13 October 2026, with the ECM participating in its capacity as a Board member. The General Assembly followed on 14 October, during which COMELEC formally assumed the chairmanship of A-WEB. Members also elected the Association’s new Vice-President and secretariat leadership.

The General Assembly provided a platform for member institutions to discuss key priorities in electoral management, including the modernisation of electoral systems, the strengthening of electoral integrity, and emerging challenges associated with online misinformation and logistical constraints. Delegates also deliberated on proposed amendments to the Association’s Charter, strategic plans and institutional policies.

 

 

As part of the programme, an international conference jointly bringing together participants from A-WEB and the Association of Asian Election Authorities (AAEA) was held on 15 October 2026. The conference focused on the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in electoral processes, providing an opportunity for electoral authorities to exchange experiences on the application of AI and explore approaches to harnessing emerging technologies while upholding transparency, accountability and public trust. Discussions placed particular emphasis on countering misinformation and ensuring that technological advancements contribute to, rather than undermine, electoral integrity.

ECM President Mohamed Shakeel participated as a panellist at the conference, highlighting the specific challenges faced by small developing island states in safeguarding electoral processes. Drawing on the experience of the Maldives, he noted the increasing use of AI in attempts to manipulate electoral processes during recent elections. He emphasised that AI should serve as a tool to support institutional decision-making and strengthen human oversight, rather than replace human judgement. He further underscored the importance of enhanced regional cooperation in addressing emerging threats and promoting the responsible and sustainable use of new technologies, particularly in the context of small island states.

Following the conference, participants attended a cultural programme showcasing the cultural heritage and traditions of the Philippines, bringing the event to a close.

The ECM’s participation in the General Assembly and associated conference provided an important opportunity to engage with electoral management bodies and other stakeholders, exchange technical expertise, strengthen institutional partnerships and draw on international experiences in addressing evolving challenges in election management. The meetings also facilitated discussions on institutional governance, the management of political and financial matters, and strategies to counter misinformation and safeguard electoral integrity.

The Commission continues to prioritise active engagement with regional and international electoral organisations as part of its commitment to strengthening institutional capacity, fostering international cooperation and enhancing electoral administration. Through knowledge exchange, professional collaboration and participation in international dialogue, the Commission seeks to further improve electoral processes in the Maldives and uphold the principles of integrity, transparency, accountability and public trust.