Artificial Intelligence, Democracy and Elections
Introduction
The
world is constantly evolving amid the rapid rise in digital
revolution, and in recent times, Artificial
Intelligence (AI) across the globe has transformed
every aspect of our lives. Undoubtedly, the incorporation of AI into various sectors
is reforming and reshaping the way we perceive and do things. From financial
transactions to communication methods, the impact of AI is profoundly
significant, and its implications for democracy and elections, particularly in
transitional democracies cannot be underestimated.
From
a democratic point of view, AI has the potential to enhance the democratic
process of countries by facilitating citizen-government interaction and
enabling political actors to better
understand constituents' concerns. However, the evolution of AI also introduces
risks, particularly in transitional democracies where misinformation and
disinformation can incite electoral violence. In countries like Ghana and other
parts of Africa, where democracy is still evolving, the proliferation of AI
presents both opportunities and challenges.
In
2024, democracy faces a critical test as over 4.2
billion people across more than 60 countries,
including the US, India, Mexico, Ghana, etc. go to the polls. In this current
era of artificial intelligence (AI) however, the democratic process faces
challenges as misinformation and disinformation threaten the integrity of
elections.
This
publication seeks to examine the relationship between AI, democracy, and
elections. By examining the potential benefits and pitfalls of integrating
AI into our democratic process, the article seeks to shed light on the
opportunities for enhancing democratic governance.
How Will AI Enhance
the Democratic Process?
While the concerns about the
effect of AI on democracy, particularly elections, are not new; recent
developments in the United States, such as the Executive Order by President
Joe Biden and the recent trip by Vice President Kamala Harris to the United
Kingdom to attend the AI Safety Summit have revived
discussions on the matter.
A recent study by UNESCO
revealed that AI has the potential to improve democratic values, institutions
and processes, including elections in various ways.
Firstly, election
management bodies across the globe can leverage AI to improve their oversight
of the electoral process. For instance, AI can be used to automate election
administration processes, ensuring they are more secure, accurate, and
reliable. AI, when implemented and monitored carefully and responsibly, has the
potential to detect and rectify irregularities in voters’ registers
and voting machines, ultimately exposing instances of fraud. Also, AI-driven
tabulators can scan ballot papers at a faster rate than election officers, thereby
reducing the time required to declare election results and report any anomalies
to the appropriate authorities for redress. This accelerated process could help
reduce allegations of fraud in the aftermath of elections.
Secondly, AI
serves as a powerful tool for political engagement, allowing for various ways
to educate citizens about democratic principles and politicians' positions on
important national issues. Specially designed AI tools can update citizens on important
policies they are interested in, empowering them to express opinions
effectively to governments and politicians.
Moreover, the
rapid evolution of AI is fundamentally changing the landscape of political
campaigns. Soon, politicians will have the capability to promptly respond to
campaign developments and effectively counter any misinformation. The growing
utilization of sentiment analysis on social
media enables politicians to gain insights into the issues that are sensitive
to citizens. Consequently, AI can be employed to tailor campaign messages that
align with the interests of distinct groups of people. This strategic approach
allows politicians to craft specific campaign messages tailored to the needs of
individual voters.
Finally, AI
holds significant potential in policymaking by simplifying
complex issues and analysing large datasets, thereby enabling policymakers to
identify and understand societal challenges more effectively. Furthermore, AI
can empower citizens to express their views, mobilize like-minded individuals,
and influence policymaking beyond the confines of elections, thus shaping
policymaking.
In the Ghanaian
context, the country's digital infrastructure is not fully developed to support
advanced AI tools for elections. However, the Electoral Commission (EC) has made
significant strides by implementing the Biometric Verification System since
2012, marking a foundational step towards modernizing the electoral process.
The issues
surrounding voter registration accuracy, including instances of duplicate
registrations and concerns about the integrity of voter rolls, have been
central to election petitions in 2012 and
2020. These challenges underscore the critical need for enhanced mechanisms to
ensure the credibility and transparency of electoral processes in Ghana.
Moving forward,
the Electoral Commission of Ghana can leverage AI-driven systems to address
these longstanding issues. By integrating biometric voter registration systems
supported by AI algorithms, the Commission can bolster the accuracy of voter
rolls, detect potential irregularities, and mitigate instances of electoral
fraud. This proactive approach not only strengthens the integrity of the
electoral process but also enhances public trust and confidence in Ghana's
democratic institutions.
Challenges of AI
on Democracy
While AI has the
potential to improve democratic processes, it also presents significant
challenges, particularly in developing countries. A UNESCO study shows that
by 2026, 90% of online content may be AI-generated. This presents a significant
challenge to democracy particularly in elections as AI, can be used to concoct
narratives which are not in the public interest.
AI can
exacerbate the problem of misinformation and disinformation during election
periods by providing countries and groups with inexpensive and readily
accessible tools to disseminate falsehoods. This proliferation of
misinformation and disinformation can deepen societal divisions and instigate
chaos within nations. Fake accounts, manipulated videos, and other AI-generated
content have already disrupted the flow of
information in numerous countries prior to elections. AI's capability to
swiftly generate fake news websites further compounds the confusion. This
misinformation and disinformation, highlighted as a top risk in the Global Risks Report 2024, have the
potential to destabilize democracies, leading to scepticism about the
legitimacy of election outcomes. As Ghanaians approach major elections in 2024,
the increasing threat posed by AI highlights the need for vigilant measures to
mitigate its adverse effects on democracy.
Conditions Necessary
for AI to Thrive in Ghana
In exploring
the conditions that could make AI thrive in the context of democracy and
elections in Ghana, it is important to
consider these factors:
Firstly, there
is the need for a robust regulatory framework to govern the implementation and
use of AI in the electoral process. This framework should address concerns such
as data privacy, data protection, data sharing and accountability to ensure
that AI systems are deployed ethically and responsibly.
Secondly, there
must be adequate infrastructure and technical capacity to support the
integration of AI technologies into the electoral process. This includes
investments in data infrastructure, cybersecurity measures, and training
programs for election officials, political parties and other stakeholders to
effectively utilize AI tools.
Furthermore, promoting transparency and public trust in AI systems is crucial. Citizens need to have confidence that AI technologies are being used to improve the integrity and fairness of the electoral process rather than manipulate outcomes. This requires public education campaigns, open dialogue, and mechanisms for independent oversight and the evaluation of AI systems.
Conclusion
In conclusion,
the intersection of AI and democracy presents significant opportunities but
also poses challenges, particularly in transitional democracies. Governments,
policymakers, and civil society organizations (CSOs) should take proactive
measures, such as the Biden administration's AI Executive Order and bipartisan regulatory
efforts.
Penplusbytes, a
leader in both technology and governance, stands ready to play a crucial role
in addressing these challenges. As AI continues to advance, its impact on
governance and elections will grow, necessitating ongoing collaboration to
harness its potential for positive democratic outcomes. Ahead of the 2024
elections in Ghana and other countries across the world, transparent strategies
and vigilant oversight are vital to ensure AI benefits democracy and ensure
free and fair elections.