Breaking: Jega Urges INEC to Deploy AI Chatbots to Combat Electoral Misinformation

Breaking: Jega Urges INEC to Deploy AI Chatbots to Combat Electoral Misinformation

…Says Technology can Provide Voters with Accurate, Timely and Verified Electoral Information

By Raphael Ekpang

Abuja (Core Reporters) Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, has urged the Commission to explore the deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered chatbots to provide credible electoral information and combat misinformation and disinformation during elections.

Jega made the recommendation while delivering his opening remarks at a National Summit on AI, FIMI and Electoral Information Integrity (Beyond the Ballot) organised by the International Press Centre (IPC), with the theme, “Safeguarding Electoral Information Integrity in the Age of AI.”

Speaking at the event, the former INEC chairman said the use of AI-powered chatbots by Election Management Bodies (EMBs), particularly in Africa, could significantly improve citizens’ access to accurate, timely and reliable electoral information.

He recalled participating in the 2024 Cambridge Conference on Electoral Democracy, where discussions focused on the need for election management institutions to embrace chatbot technology as a means of providing authoritative information to citizens and addressing the growing challenge of electoral misinformation.

According to him, some Election Management Bodies in Africa have already begun exploring the technology to minimise the negative effects of misinformation and disinformation during elections.

Jega consequently urged INEC to consider adopting the technology, noting that the Commission could use AI-powered platforms to provide verified information, respond to frequently asked questions and improve public confidence in electoral information.

“To the best of my knowledge, the Commission has yet to fully deploy such a platform, and I believe it would be a useful subject for consideration during our discussions,” he said.

He explained that the positive application of Artificial Intelligence could strengthen the country’s electoral information management system and provide citizens with greater certainty about the authenticity of information in circulation.

Jega also emphasised the need for participants at the gathering to move beyond discussions and develop specific, practical and actionable recommendations that would guide efforts to safeguard the technology community and the AI ecosystem for present and future generations.

He commended the contributions of university academics, research institutions, development partners and media practitioners towards improving the credibility and integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process.

Describing the event as an important platform for advancing conversations on technology and democracy, the former INEC chairman urged stakeholders to sustain their commitment to strengthening electoral integrity.

He expressed optimism that the deliberations would produce meaningful recommendations to promote the responsible application of emerging technologies in strengthening democratic institutions.