The year 2024 is shaping up to be an unprecedented election year, with a record number of countries holding elections and exceptional voter turnout. At least 64 countries, representing around 49% of the world’s population, will see a massive influx of voters heading to the polls.
These elections, in various countries, will be the scene of major democratic challenges, testing the fundamental principles of democracy. In an ever-changing global political landscape marked by the advent of digital technologies, careful consideration of the impact of artificial intelligence on electoral processes is essential.
Artificial intelligence offers unprecedented opportunities to strengthen democratic processes, but it also carries major risks in terms of electoral integrity. The use of AI in elections raises crucial questions, particularly when it comes to combating voter fraud and ensuring free and fair elections.
In this context, the recent conference on Artificial Intelligence and Elections organized by Yiaga Africa and its regional partners in Nairobi, Kenya, highlights the importance of addressing these challenges head on.
The advent of artificial intelligence has also led to a proliferation of fake news and disinformation fueled by algorithms, upending standards of truthfulness and making it more difficult for voters to sort out fact from fiction. Access to reliable and credible information is essential to ensure the integrity of electoral processes and enable citizens to make informed decisions when they go to the polls.
Despite the challenges posed by AI, it can be used in a positive way to strengthen citizen participation. AI-powered tools, such as Thoko the Bot developed by South African think tank The Rivonia Circle, can help voters access critical resources and valuable election information. Initiatives like My Election Buddy in Nigeria or Vote Compass in South Africa show how AI can facilitate access to electoral information and strengthen voters’ democratic engagement.
In exploring the implications of digital democracy, it is imperative to ensure that the use of AI in elections promotes inclusion and equal civil and political rights. Indeed, while technological advances offer new possibilities for electoral accessibility, it is crucial to ensure that all groups in society, including the most marginalized, can fully exercise their right to vote..
In conclusion, in navigating this complex landscape of artificial intelligence and elections, it is essential to strike a balance between using technology to strengthen democracy and protecting the fundamental principles of electoral processes. Collaboration between civil society actors, electoral authorities and technology experts will be crucial to ensure free, fair and transparent elections in the crucial election year of 2024.