How social media and AI are shaping the future of elections, Kalonzo explains

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka speaking on the role of AI and social media on future elections. [Courtesy]

This year, Kenya has witnessed a remarkable shift as leaders increasingly turn to social media for political communication.  

President William Ruto has been at the forefront of this trend, utilizing various platforms to connect with audiences and address pressing issues.

During the Gen Z protests in June, the president hosted an X Space  to engage directly with young Kenyans, listening to their grievances and providing clarity on their concerns.  

Other leaders have also embraced these digital tools, with some using platforms such as TikTok to reach their audiences more effectively. 

This growing adoption underscores how social media is reshaping political discourse.  

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka foresees social media, digital platforms and AI playing pivotal roles in future elections across Africa. 

Speaking at the Electoral Law and Governance Institute for Africa (ELGIA) regional conference in Nairobi on Tuesday, Kalonzo said; "It should not surprise us to see politicians migrating to these platforms, among others, to conduct their campaigns. Whether we like it or not, they are going to be used in elections going forward. The time to get things right and ready is now.”  

Musyoka called for countries and electoral bodies to embrace these technologies while addressing the challenges they pose, particularly legal gaps and the threat of misinformation.  

“It is important to progressively review the electoral legal environment for purposes of securing electoral justice. This should be done early enough, and with the requisite transparency, to protect elections from abuse and open influence that erodes their credibility,” he noted.  

According to him, when used properly, AI has the potential to revolutionize electoral processes by making them faster, more secure, and scientifically verifiable.

However, the risks are equally significant.  

"Badly used, AI-generated content and material have been found to close the gap between what is real and what is fake," Musyoka cautioned.

"Together with all the advantages, AI has also opened up the world to fakery and quackery. We are said to be living in the Post-Truth Age. When the ingredients of this age are infused into electoral processes, they can only spell disaster. From manipulated facts to fake videos and images, the dangers of AI misuse are immense.”

Musyoka pointed to cases where individuals have been falsely attributed with statements or actions, making it nearly impossible for them to deny. 

As Kenya navigates this digital transformation, it’s clear that the integration of social media and AI into politics is both inevitable and complex. 

"The people, too, as I have already observed, are changing. It is not just a question of people adapting to electoral technology, it is also about electoral technology adapting to the people."