From Electoral Systems to Public Service: Lessons from Southeast Asia's AI Journey

Artificial Intelligence is transforming the way governments deliver public services – from election management to digital identity. But how do we ensure these tools serve democracy rather than undermine it?

A forthcoming study from Frontiers in Political Science offers a timely introspective into the topic. The research — Smart Elections or Rigged Algorithms by Syafhendry, Ganaie, and Yama — examines how AI was introduced into electoral systems across Southeast Asia between 2019 and 2024. The findings carry powerful lessons for electoral management bodies globally.

The Promise of AI in Elections

Across the region, electoral commissions turned to AI to improve coordination, speed, and transparency:

  • Thailand used AI to support voter verification and real-time coordination.
  • Indonesia implemented one of the most advanced biometric ID systems in the region.
  • The Philippines introduced cyber-based registration and results reporting.
  • Myanmar piloted biometric systems to improve the accuracy of voter lists.

In each case, AI was introduced to enhance administrative performance and public trust.

Yet there were signifciant risks

Beneath the surface, the research identified a number of recurring challenges:

  • Thailand’s system improved efficiency—but unexplained data anomalies and opaque algorithms raised public suspicion.
  • Indonesia’s biometric tools strengthened voter identification—but weak safeguards made the system vulnerable to misuse.
  • The Philippines’ digital reforms improved speed—but questions emerged around privacy and campaign data targeting.
  • Myanmar’s pilot project revealed potential—but infrastructure gaps and technical failures undermined its credibility.

The study warns: without transparency, ethics, and infrastructure readiness, AI risks amplifying the very weaknesses it aims to solve.

What Public Service Can Learn from These Elections

While the study focuses on elections, its findings are deeply relevant to public institutions more broadly. Here are three clear takeaways:

1. Transparency Builds Trust

Thailand’s case shows that even successful deployments fail if the public can’t understand how decisions are made. Whether using AI for benefits, enforcement, or policy delivery, public bodies must be able to explain not just what the system did, but why.

2. Security and Ethics Must Come First

The absence of strong governance frameworks in Indonesia and the Philippines led to new vulnerabilities. AI implementation must begin with ethics, risk assessments, and clear accountability – not follow them.

3. AI Won’t Fix Infrastructure Gaps

Myanmar’s failed pilot highlights that AI is not a shortcut. Without reliable infrastructure and internal capacity, even the best tools will fall short – and may damage public trust when they fail.

Building Responsible AI Capacity in Government

As democracies worldwide prepare for greater AI adoption in public service, the experience of Southeast Asian electoral commissions offers valuable foresight. It’s not about moving fast – it’s about preparing well.

Workshops on AI Empowerment in the Public Sector

At the International Centre for Parliamentary Studies (ICPS), we support governments to build capacity and utilise modern approaches whilst mitigating risks. Our AI Empowerment for the Public Sector workshops are designed for public officials and decision-makers seeking to:

  • AI in Policy & Legislative Contexts – 14 Oct 2025 Understand how to integrate AI into public policy and anticipate legal and regulatory impacts.
  • AI Ethics, Governance & Risk Management – 22 Oct 2025 Learn how to apply ethical frameworks and manage AI risks within government systems.
  • AI in Communication & Public Trust – 11 Nov 2025 Develop skills to communicate AI initiatives clearly and build public confidence.
  • Applied AI Tools for Government – 13 Nov 2025 Explore hands-on, low-code AI tools that can support public service delivery and analysis.
  • Geopolitical Trends & AI Strategy – 2 Dec 2025 Align your national AI strategies with emerging global trends, risks, and policy shifts.
  • AI in Public Service Awareness – 4 Dec 2025 Build a foundational understanding of AI’s role, risks, and opportunities in government.
  • AI & Data Integrity – 9 Dec 2025 Ensure trustworthy AI systems by mastering data quality, transparency, and auditability.

For further details, please see here.

To register or enquire, contact tracy.drewett@parlicentre.org

Reference: Syafhendry, S., Ganaie, N.A., & Yama, A. (2025, forthcoming). Smart Elections or Rigged Algorithms: The Rise of Artificial Intelligence in Electoral Governance in Southeast Asia. Frontiers in Political Science. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpos.2025.1672310/abstract