Ezulwini– His Majesty King Mswati III urges member states to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) responsibly while strengthening the integrity of electoral systems across the region.
The King was speaking through the Minister of Natural Resources and Energy, Prince Lonkhokhelo, during the official opening of the 27th Annual General Conference of the Electoral Commissions Forum of SADC Countries under the theme AI: ‘Threats and Opportunities’ which was held at the Happy Valley Hotel on Tuesday.
In the keynote address, the king emphasised the importance of balancing innovation with electoral integrity as new technologies reshape governance.
“Artificial Intelligence is reshaping every aspect of human endeavour,” he said.
The king noted that AI’s influence on elections presents both opportunities and challenges, highlighting that this topical issue calls for a balanced and informed approach to harness AI responsibly.
His Majesty highlighted that AI can enhance transparency, efficiency, and voter engagement, but warned against risks such as misinformation and data manipulation. The conference, he added, provides the ideal platform for member states to deliberate these emerging issues.
“This is the forum which can effectively and critically deliberate the impact it will have on us as member states,” he said.
Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs) were praised as “the custodians of democratic legitimacy” whose work must rest on independence, accountability, and the rule of law.
The king further acknowledged the progress made by SADC structures such as the Electoral Advisory Council and ECF-SADC in promoting standardised and credible electoral practices.
Moreover, the king urged delegates to use the conference to strengthen democratic systems across SADC.
“May the deliberations of this conference inspire renewed commitment and innovation in the management of elections across the SADC region.”
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