INEC Launches AI Division To Boost Election Planning
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has created an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Division to strengthen its capacity for data-driven decision-making, risk detection, voter services automation, and logistic optimisation.
INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr. Sam Olumekun, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.
According to him, the AI Division, domiciled in the ICT Department, will support the commission with geo-spatial intelligence, help optimise logistics for better distribution of materials and polling unit allocation.
“It will also enhance decision-making through data-driven insights, risk management and voter engagement. Furthermore, it will strengthen electoral credibility through predictive analytics, automation and intelligent safeguards,” said Olumekun.
He added that the commission recently participated in several conferences across the continent focused on the impact of AI on elections.
“These interactions were not only motivated by the concern over the use of AI to spread fake news or manipulate content online but also to utilise its benefits for election planning and administration,” he stated.
“Consequently, the commission approved the creation of an AI Division under the ICT Department to continue to harness the positive aspects of AI and mitigate its negative impact on elections.
“The division will enable the commission to better coordinate and maximise existing technology investments through centralized AI governance.
“This initiative puts the commission in the forefront of institutionalising AI capabilities within our ICT infrastructure. It is also an important step in our ongoing reform of the electoral process in areas that only require administrative action by the commission,” Olumekun explained.
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