The University of Johannesburg, the Wits African Centre for the Study of the United States, and the University of Southern California present a
Virtual Conference on ‘Artificial Intelligence, Elections and the Future of Democracy: Global Experiences and Directions’

Dates: 26 to 27 June 2024 Platform: Zoom

As half the world population, including some 30 African states, go to the ballot box this year, the global democratization process faces challenges, particularly in Africa, where electoral malpractices often lead to violence during elections. Despite visible setbacks in Europe, specifically with Brexit in the UK, the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in political campaigns and voting processes has not received sufficient attention, especially in Africa. Building on this, a conference by the University of Johannesburg and the University of Southern California aims to explore how AI can enhance democratic processes, focusing on its potential in electoral campaigns and ensuring free and fair elections.

The conference, titled “Artificial Intelligence, Elections and the Future of Democracy and Leadership: Global Experiences and Directions,” addresses the need for AI to positively transform political practices, particularly in Africa where social media’s impact on democratization has been limited. The event comprises eight panels covering topics such as:

Panel 1:  The impact of AI on political campaigns and voting processes

Panel 2: AI and good governance/leadership nexus

Panel 3: State surveillance in the era of AI

Panel 4: AI in political news and media

Panel 5: ‘Big Tech’ role and influence

Panel 6: Election finance and cryptocurrencies

Panel 7: Manifestos and party platforms

Panel 8: Theoretical and methodological Perspectives

Additional panel proposals are welcome.

The conference aims to engage scholars, policymakers, and politicians in recognizing AI’s transformative potential in political processes. The agenda includes keynotes, panel discussions, and audience participation, bringing together diverse participants from governments, finance, academia, civil society, and the private sector. The hybrid format combines physical and virtual elements, ensuring broad participation. The conference outcomes would include:

1. Generating public debate through various media,
2. Publishing a special journal issue,
3. Producing edited book volumes, and
4. Crafting a policy paper.

The overall goal is to advance discussions on leveraging AI for more effective and transparent democratic processes globally, with a particular focus on Africa.

Interested participants should please submit their abstracts by 31 March 2024 to Dr Anslem Adunimay at (anselma@uj.ac.za).