Erasmus Shalihaxwe
The Southern Africa Development Community’s (SADC) Secretary General, Boemo Sekgoma stated that Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be a friend but that it can also become a hostile enemy to democratic processes if left unchecked.
Sekgoma said this in a statement issued on Sunday, the international day of democracy commemorated on 15 September every year.
This year’s theme focuses on AI as a tool for good governance, considering the advantages of using AI to save time and promote productivity and efficiency.
She said even though AI saves time and promotes productivity, it should also be recognised at the same time that AI must have its restrictive limits.
‘’For instance, this year, more than 50 countries representing more than half of the global population entitled to vote are involved in election processes, and we recognize the gravity of AI’s interference in campaigning where deepfakes and other AI alterations can mislead public opinion.
In a world where electronic information is transmitted instantly through smartphones and computer devices, AI can be a friend but can also become a hostile enemy to democratic processes, if left unchecked. Furthermore, cyberterrorism in modern times is known to be dependent on AI to perpetrate crime at various levels, including to interfere in pre-election polls and campaigns,’’ cautioned Sekgoma.
She added that the SADC Parliamentary Forum’s perspective on democracy refers to the reflection of the will of the people through elected representatives chosen to express the will within the domains of the institution of parliament.
Sekgoma said that all efforts must be made to ensure that the will of citizens in a stable democracy remains as informed as possible with AI playing the right part to disseminate truth and dispel untruths and fabrications.
‘’Whilst the digital transformation of the SADC region is now blossoming, the forum encourages all stakeholders to brainstorm on the appropriate parameters for AI and interact with Parliament for legislation to guide the effectiveness of AI in democratic processes.
In this respect, the forum encourages partners to rally to the noble cause of consolidating democracy through the appropriate use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), AI and internet protocols, and to profusely engage with Parliament to ensure state accountability and redress,’’ she urged.
