Political Parties Back INEC On Use Of AI

Political parties, under the aegis of Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) have supported the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the creation of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Division under its ICT Department to harness the positive aspects of AI in the electoral process.

The body however added that it hopes the introduction of AI will be transparent and help release of results in real time.

Responding to IPAC reaction to INEC’s creation of AI Division, the national chairman, Dr Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, described it as a welcome development and a step forward in the quest for credible elections and sustainable democracy in Nigeria.

He said the initiative is a testament of the increasing relevance of AI to electoral activities globally, saying that it would facilitate decision-making through data-driven insights, risk management, voter engagement and prompt dissemination of information to citizens eager to see an improved electoral system where every vote is counted and counts in the overall result.

“It is hoped that with a central AI governance and improved technology elections will be transparent and results released in real time. This will go a long way in strengthening electoral credibility and rebuilding trust in the democratic process.

“We must safeguard the sanctity of the ballot box. The will of the people must be respected at all times as sovereignty resides in them,” he added.

He reiterated that as the umbrella body of all registered political parties in Nigeria, IPAC will always align with any initiative aimed at enhancing, consolidating and deepening democracy in the country.