Thu Jan 23 16:25:30 UTC 2025: ## Global Election Officials Warn Against Fake News, Embrace Tech at Delhi Conference
**New Delhi, January 23, 2025** – Chief Election Commissioner of India, Rajiv Kumar, issued a stark warning against the spread of “fake narratives” aimed at undermining electoral processes, during a two-day international conference in New Delhi. The conference, “Global Election Year 2024: Reiteration of Democratic Spaces; Takeaways for EMBs,” brought together nearly 30 representatives from 13 countries’ Election Management Bodies (EMBs).
Kumar highlighted the crucial role of technology in improving election efficiency and transparency while acknowledging the accompanying risks of cybersecurity threats and misinformation. He urged EMBs to develop strategies to counter these technological challenges.
Participants from countries including Bhutan, Georgia, and Namibia shared their experiences combating disinformation and fake news on social media, which they described as significantly impacting electoral integrity. The CEC of Mauritius, Abdool Rahman, cited the example of fraudulent online applications for election staff recruitment to illustrate the growing problem.
Looking ahead, Kumar outlined key future trends in elections, including AI-driven processes, online voting, and increased international collaboration. He stressed the importance of leveraging technology to create more transparent, inclusive, and accessible elections. The conference concluded with a call for enhanced capacity building and global cooperation to safeguard democratic processes worldwide.
First Piper 