Election Commission Warns Against Misuse of Technology, AI in Undermining Electoral Integrity

Kathmandu. The Election Commission has drawn the attention of all concerned parties to the risk that the misuse of technology could undermine the impartiality of elections, urging seriousness towards this issue.

The Commission has also urged the mass media and other relevant stakeholders not to disseminate false information on social media and to play a supportive role in preventing it.

Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari urged against posting misleading content created using 'Artificial Intelligence' (AI) on social media and called for maintaining the dignity of the election. He also requested media outlets not to publish results based on election exit polls.

He stated, "The Commission has been seriously concerned about some recent practices, where predictions of victory or defeat are made based on conversations with voters before the voting even concludes, or by publishing results based on exit polls."

The Commission requested that results not be declared prematurely, which could discourage candidates and disrupt the competitive environment, as this could mislead the independent decision of the voter as proposed by the Election Code of Conduct, 2082.

The Commission has been making a special appeal not to transmit or cause the transmission of misleading content created using AI, with the rapid development of technology. While technology facilitates the flow of information, the Commission has drawn attention to the risk that its misuse could undermine the impartiality of the election, urging seriousness in this regard.

It is the Commission's view that everyone should fulfill their responsibility in ensuring the full compliance of the Election Code of Conduct.