PM Gusmão and Australian Electoral Commissioner discuss electoral cooperation amid AI and disinformation challenges
DILI, 24 September 2026 (TATOLI) — Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão today received Australian Electoral Commissioner Jeff Pope at the Government Palace to discuss strengthening cooperation on elections amid growing challenges from social media, artificial intelligence and disinformation.
Minister of State Administration Tomás Cabral and Australian Ambassador to Timor-Leste Caitlin Wilson also attended the meeting.
Pope described his discussion with Gusmão as “very warm and constructive”, saying the meeting reflected the two countries’ shared commitment to democracy and democratic stability.
He also praised Timor-Leste’s experience in conducting elections, saying the country had developed an electoral record of which it could be proud.
Pope said continued cooperation between Australia and Timor-Leste would help strengthen the capacity of their electoral and democratic institutions to respond to emerging challenges.
AI and disinformation
Pope said the expansion of social media had become a major challenge for electoral authorities, particularly because online platforms can facilitate the rapid spread of disinformation and fabricated content.
He stressed that Australia and Timor-Leste, together with other Western democracies, face challenges from the growth of social media and the use of these platforms, which is also increasing disinformation related to electoral processes.
The Commissioner said the rapid development and growing use of artificial intelligence were adding another layer of complexity for election authorities.
Pope also pointed to changes in the international geopolitical environment, saying the speed and scale of those developments were creating additional pressures for democratic systems.
Strengthening electoral ties
Pope’s visit to Timor-Leste from September 21 to 24 is intended to deepen professional ties between the two countries’ electoral institutions through the exchange of experience and expertise in organising free, fair, transparent and inclusive elections.
During his visit, Pope has met government officials, civil society organisations, development partners and other stakeholders to gain a broader understanding of Timor-Leste’s electoral system and its efforts to strengthen democratic participation.
The discussions have also examined how electoral institutions can safeguard public confidence and maintain credible elections amid rapid technological and geopolitical changes.
Another issue under discussion is the regulation of financial flows into political campaigns and the potential impact of campaign financing on public confidence in electoral processes.
The Australian Electoral Commission is an independent statutory authority responsible for administering federal elections, by-elections and referendums in Australia, with a mandate to ensure electoral processes are conducted fairly and impartially.
Journalist: Afonso do Rosário
Editor: Isaura Lemos de Deus
Translation: Filomeno Martins
