Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly entering electoral systems globally, offering tools for voter verification, fraud detection, disinformation monitoring, and predictive analytics. In African democracies such as Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa these technologies hold great promise for enhancing electoral integrity. However, their deployment also raises critical policy challenges: algorithmic bias, opacity, data privacy, uneven access, and threats to legitimacy. This paper conducts a policy analysis of how AI tools are being or could be used in African elections and what governance frameworks are needed to safeguard integrity. Drawing on policy reports, academic studies, and expert commentaries, the paper examines use cases across the electoral cycle, institutional readiness, legal and regulatory gaps, participatory oversight, and risk mitigation strategies. The findings show that while AI can improve efficiency and detection of irregularities, weak regulation, lack of transparency, infrastructure constraints, and public distrust often undermine benefits. Core recommendations include strengthening electoral management body (EMB) capacities, requiring algorithmic audits, establishing legal accountability frameworks, promoting public literacy and transparency, and ensuring participatory oversight in AI deployment. With careful policy design, AI can become an instrument of credible, trustworthy elections rather than a vector of manipulation.