The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has said artificial intelligence (AI) should not be regarded as an enemy of democracy, noting that the technology can support election management when properly deployed.
Sponsored Ads
Amupitan made the statement on Monday while speaking at the Beyond The Ballot Summit in Abuja, where he discussed the growing role of AI in electoral processes and the risks associated with its misuse.
Sponsored Ads
He explained that electoral management bodies across the world had adopted AI-powered systems to improve voter registration, manage large databases, streamline logistics, analyse information and enhance administrative efficiency.
According to the INEC chairman, the technology could help electoral commissions handle complex processes more effectively, including the identification and management of duplicate voter registrations.
RELATED STORIES
Related Posts
However, he warned that the widespread availability of generative AI tools had also made it easier for individuals with malicious intentions to create and distribute deceptive content.
Amupitan identified voice cloning of public figures and realistic fake videos or audio recordings of election officials making false announcements as some of the emerging threats.
He noted that such content could be produced at relatively low cost and used to exploit specific weaknesses in the electoral process, particularly during sensitive periods of an election.
The INEC chairman’s comments come after the commission announced plans to integrate artificial intelligence into Nigeria’s electoral system ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Comments are closed.