Election Commission Decides To Formally Use AI In Electoral Process, Seeks Proposals
Mian Nadeem
Published October 26, 2026 | 05:06 PM
The Election Commission of Pakistan has decided to formally integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into the electoral process, according to a report. It has proposed AI-related amendments to the codes of conduct for political parties, media, and election observers, and sought public and political party input to prevent AI misuse during elections. A proposed AI-related code of conduct for political parties has also been released.
Under the proposed amendments:
- Political parties, candidates, and supporters will not be allowed to publish AI-generated or altered election material without clear labeling.
- Deepfakes, artificial voices, and videos must be clearly identified as AI-generated. Creating or sharing AI content intended to deceive voters is prohibited.
- Falsely creating a person’s appearance, voice, or statement is strictly prohibited. Banning fake deepfakes targeting judges, election officials, and the armed forces.
- Creating fake trends and likes using AI bots and automated accounts is prohibited, while robocalls and voice-cloned messages must be identified as AI-generated at the beginning.
- Records of all AI content must be maintained and provided to the Election Commission.
The Election Commission has also proposed amendments concerning media use of AI:
- All print, electronic, digital media outlets, and social media influencers must clearly label AI content.
- Media organisations must disclose AI use when broadcasting AI-generated images, videos, or audio related to candidates or election matters.
- Creating fake, insulting, or defamatory deepfakes is strictly prohibited.
- Media houses may only use AI for content generation, translation, and analysis. PEMRA, SMPRA, and NCCIA will monitor AI content, and action will be taken against unlabeled AI content.
According to the proposed amendments, media organisations must:
- Upon the Election Commission’s instruction, immediately remove misleading AI content or apply an accurate label.
A proposed code of conduct for election observers regarding AI has also been issued:
- Observe AI-generated deepfakes and synthetic content.
- Inform the Election Commission immediately upon finding suspicious AI material and refrain from sharing it further.
- Not alter observations, photographs, or videos using AI tools.