The Role of AI in Electoral Management and Democratic Integrity
By Ajibola Osungbohun
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly becoming a tool in shaping democratic processes worldwide. From enhancing voter registration systems to monitoring disinformation, AI has the potential to transform how elections are managed and protected. In a context like Nigeria, where elections often face credibility challenges, AI integration could significantly strengthen democratic integrity.
AI in Electoral Management
Globally, election management bodies are experimenting with AI to streamline operations. Biometric verification systems in India and Ghana, for example, leverage AI to authenticate voters and reduce fraud. In the United States, AI-powered analytics are used to predict voter turnout and manage polling logistics (International IDEA, 2023). These innovations improve efficiency while minimising human error, a persistent issue in manual election management.
In Nigeria, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has already adopted technological tools such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Results Viewing Portal (IReV). AI could further enhance these platforms through predictive modelling for resource allocation, real-time anomaly detection in vote transmission, and chatbots for voter education.
AI and Democratic Integrity
Beyond logistics, AI plays a crucial role in protecting elections from disinformation and manipulation. The rise of deepfakes and coordinated misinformation campaigns poses a direct threat to electoral credibility. AI tools can be deployed to detect inauthentic content, trace misinformation networks, and fact-check viral claims before they mislead the public.
This aligns with my own work in developing a mobile SMS fact-checking platform for election integrity, designed to counter false narratives that spread during campaigns. By integrating AI into such systems, fact-checkers can quickly flag, verify, and respond to misinformation, especially in rural communities where internet penetration is limited but SMS use is high.
Challenges and Ethical Considerations
Despite its promise, AI adoption in elections must be handled carefully. Issues of data privacy, algorithmic bias, and transparency can undermine trust if not properly addressed. Governments and electoral bodies must ensure that AI tools are not repurposed for surveillance or voter suppression.
Conclusion
AI offers powerful opportunities to strengthen electoral management and safeguard democracy in Nigeria and beyond. However, its success will depend on building trust, ensuring transparency, and investing in local innovations such as SMS fact-checking platforms. In the digital age, defending democracy means not only casting votes but also securing the information ecosystem around elections.
