INEC Creates AI Division to Enhance Election Management
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved the creation of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) division , saying it will improve election management through data-driven decision-making and enhanced voter services.
At its weekly meeting on Thursday, 22nd May 2025, the Commission said it recognised the growing importance of AI not only in tackling fake news and online manipulation but also in leveraging its benefits for risk detection, automation, and logistics.
INEC said recent conferences with electoral bodies across Africa emphasised the use of AI for “risk detection and mitigation, deepening voter services automation and geo-spatial intelligence in support of logistic optimisation for better material distribution and polling unit allocation.”
To capitalise on these benefits, the Commission has established the AI Division within its ICT Department.
“The Division will enable the Commission to better coordinate and maximise existing technology investments through centralised AI governance.
“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,” the statement said.
The Commission added that this initiative positions it at the forefront of institutionalising AI within its ICT infrastructure and marks an important step in ongoing electoral reforms that fall within its administrative powers.
