As Artificial Intelligence rapidly reshapes political communication and election systems across Africa, Liberian peace advocate Gwendolyn S. Myers is cautioning that the technology could either strengthen democratic processes or undermine public trust if not properly regulated.
Myers, Executive Director of Messengers of Peace–Liberia, raised the concern while speaking at the 3rd Dialogue-Seminar on Elections and Democracy in Africa in Rabat, Morocco, where policymakers, electoral experts, civil society actors, and youth leaders gathered to assess the growing role of digital technology in governance.
The forum, convened by the African Union Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (AU PAPS) in collaboration with the Policy Center for the New South (PCNS), focused on the theme “Digitalizing Democracy: Youth-Driven AI Strategies in a Changing World.”
Myers warned that although Artificial Intelligence presents major opportunities for improving electoral systems, its effectiveness depends heavily on human oversight and ethical safeguards.
“AI is merely a tool of amplification,” Myers said. “It cannot interpret cultural context or lived experiences. Without human judgment, it risks amplifying misinformation instead of strengthening democratic participation.”
Participants acknowledged that AI can enhance electoral processes through improved voter registration systems, faster results management, and advanced data analysis. However, the discussions also highlighted emerging risks, including deepfakes, online disinformation, algorithmic bias, and digital manipulation that could distort voter perceptions.
Myers emphasized that while technology is evolving rapidly, democratic systems are fundamentally anchored in public trust.
She argued that electoral governance must be built on a balanced framework combining technological innovation, institutional accountability, and citizen participation.
“If technological progress moves faster than ethical responsibility,” she warned, “citizens may begin to lose confidence in democratic institutions.”
Myers further underscored the importance of youth engagement in protecting electoral integrity, noting that Africa’s young population is best positioned to monitor digital spaces and counter misinformation.
She highlighted initiatives led by Messengers of Peace–Liberia, including the Open Space Theatre and Theatre for Peace programs, which promote civic education, digital literacy, and peaceful political engagement.
According to her, empowering young people with both technological understanding and democratic values could help transform AI from a potential risk into a tool for inclusive governance.
Speaking during Session III: Integrity and Governance – AI in the Electoral Cycle, Myers noted that AI is increasingly shaping political campaigns, voter engagement strategies, and election administration, while also raising concerns about data protection, transparency, and foreign interference.
The Dialogue-Seminar is part of broader African Union efforts to ensure that digital transformation aligns with democratic principles while prioritizing youth inclusion in governance processes.
Concluding her remarks, Myers called on African governments, electoral bodies, and technology developers to ensure responsible use of AI in democratic systems.
“The question is not whether Africa will use AI,” she said. “The real question is whether we will use it responsibly.”
