AI and Electoral Integrity: CEC Warns of Emerging Threats Ahead of 13th National Polls
On July 26, 2025, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin raised concerns that artificial intelligence (AI) could pose a greater threat than weapons in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Elections. Emphasizing the modern nature of this challenge, he urged proactive vigilance against “technology-driven interference” and called for innovative strategies and preparedness to address potential risks.
This dual call for caution and opportunity regarding AI highlights the urgency to manage artificial intelligence responsibly.
Deepfakes and Disinformation
The rise of generative AI has heightened the risk of misleading audio, video, and images falsely portraying political figures. Past incidents involving deepfakes—particularly those targeting opposition female leaders in defamatory contexts—underscore the need for robust media literacy programs to help citizens distinguish between authentic and manipulated content.
Targeted Communication Tactics
AI can segment audiences and deliver personalized messages effectively. However, this capability must be exercised ethically and responsibly to ensure accurate information reaches all segments of the population, both urban and rural. Media literacy initiatives can support this goal by cultivating informed and critical voters.
Clear Communication of Electoral Information
Proactively disseminating accurate information is vital to combating disinformation. AI-powered chatbots and digital tools can aid the Election Commission in informing voters about polling stations, voting dates, and result-processing procedures, ultimately reducing confusion and enhancing trust and participation.
Maintaining Transparency Through Synthetic Identity Detection
AI-generated fake identities and bots can undermine electoral transparency. Strong partnerships among tech firms, the Election Commission, and civil society are needed to ensure accountability and amplify credible voices.
Cybersecurity for Electoral Infrastructure
Although blockchain or fully online voting systems are not widely deployed in Bangladesh, safeguarding digital infrastructure remains essential. Voter information apps and other services must be protected from cyberattacks through advanced cybersecurity protocols.
Bolstering Tolerance and Democratic Stability
Increasing public awareness, fostering political engagement, and upholding inclusive legislation are crucial to strengthening democratic resilience in the AI era.
Raising Media Literacy
Efforts should be made to build the public’s capacity to verify content shared on social media through educational and awareness initiatives.
Enhancing Political Engagement
Constructive dialogue on political divides and cultural sensitivities should be encouraged to foster a conscious and tolerant voting population.
Inclusive Legal Frameworks
Reforms to laws such as the Cyber Security Act should aim to protect freedom of expression while ensuring accountability.
Possible Consequences of AI Misuse
Artificial intelligence-based disinformation campaigns risk eroding public trust in the media, influencing voter behavior through falsehoods, suppressing democratic discourse, and causing disruption through fake bots and cyberattacks on the electoral process.
Mitigation Strategies
Media awareness must be expanded to train the public in identifying deepfakes and AI-generated content, while also encouraging news outlets to verify suspicious material. Transparency measures should be strengthened, including content labeling and origin tracing of AI-generated posts. Legal reforms are needed to combat synthetic disinformation. Moreover, digital infrastructure must be fortified, and biometric or e-voting technologies should include robust data security and audit mechanisms.
Collaboration among the Election Commission, tech companies, media, and civil society is vital. Independent observer teams should be formed to detect and counter AI-based disinformation in real-time.
Bangladesh stands at a crucial crossroads. While AI presents unparalleled opportunities, it also poses significant threats to democracy through deepfakes, targeted false narratives, misleading electoral information, and synthetic bot campaigns. As the CEC rightly warned, AI-based threats may in some cases be more dangerous than weapons.
Only through a coordinated effort involving education, legislation, cybersecurity, media integrity, and civic engagement can Bangladesh safeguard the transparency of its elections and the legitimacy of public expression.
Author:
A specialist in digital democracy and Chief Executive Officer of Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC).
Disclaimer:
The views expressed in this op-ed are solely those of the author and do not reflect the position of Digital Bangla Media. As a platform of diverse perspectives, this article is published without editorial alteration. Any discontent or disagreement arising from the content is the personal concern of the reader.
