ECP Proposes AI Regulations to Safeguard Pakistan’s Electoral Integrity

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has introduced proposed amendments aimed at regulating the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in political campaigns, media, and by election observers to ensure the integrity of the electoral process. The draft amendments were shared with stakeholders on Friday, with a feedback deadline set for November 20.

The ECP emphasized its constitutional obligation under Article 218(3) to facilitate honest, just, and fair elections. The commission stated, “It is the core responsibility of the commission to take all necessary steps to guard against corrupt practices, which also include manipulation of the electoral process through misleading content generated using AI.”

These proposed regulations would require political parties and candidates to disclose any AI-generated campaign materials, including deepfake images, audio, video, and synthetic voices. The draft specifically prohibits digitally manipulated defamatory content, aiming to combat misinformation and protect voters from deceptive practices.

As the electoral landscape evolves with technological advancements, these regulations could significantly impact how political campaigns are conducted in Pakistan. The ECP’s proactive stance reflects a growing recognition of the potential threats posed by AI in the electoral process. Stakeholders are now called to provide their insights on these measures, which could shape the future of electoral integrity in the country.