Artificial Intelligence and the Electoral Process:The Benefits and the Challenges

Abstract

Through elections, representatives are selected and vested with the responsibilities to lead the people, represent them in different capacities and most importantly, manage the resources of the people for their common well-being. As such, elections are equated to events that must be won in most parts of the world, particularly in Africa, where factors such as illiteracy, poverty, and corruption are more prevalent. Artificial intelligence, which is the science of making computers think, act, and behave like humans, are seen as a viable tool at the disposal of electoral authorities to facilitate a smooth, free, and fair election process whose outcomes are made available almost immediately after voting is concluded. This paper, using expert judgement and systematic review methodologies, took a critical analysis of the use of AI in elections in different parts of the world and their performances and shortcomings. It went further to examine the benefits of the use of AI in elections as well as the challenges and risks associated with the use of AI in the electioneering process. The papers made valuable recommendations on the proper use of AI and gave directions for future research on AI for elections.