The Obidient Movement has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to prioritize transparency, accountability, and public confidence in the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general election. In a statement signed by its global Coordinator, Dr Yunusa Tanko, the Movement emphasized the need for INEC to clearly explain its proposed deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the 2027 elections. This includes detailing how the AI system will work, the challenges it aims to address, and the safeguards to ensure its reliability and transparency.
The Obidient Movement's statement comes in response to INEC's proposal to use AI in the 2027 elections. While acknowledging that technology can support the electoral process, the Movement stressed that INEC must provide a comprehensive plan covering the technologies, procedures, and safeguards to be deployed during the elections. This plan should address concerns over the accuracy of vote capture, transmission, and reflection in the final results. The Movement's concerns highlight the importance of transparency in the electoral process.
The Obidient Movement has also raised concerns about the continued involvement of certain officials in INEC's ICT operations. The Movement called for measures to ensure that those responsible for critical electoral systems maintain public confidence and independence. To achieve this, INEC is urged to subject its proposed AI technology to independent testing and public scrutiny before deployment. This step is crucial in building trust in the electoral process.
Furthermore, the Obidient Movement has requested an independent audit of INEC's electoral technology. The findings and corrective measures should be made available to the public to ensure transparency and accountability. According to the Movement, this audit will help identify potential weaknesses in the electoral system and provide an opportunity for corrective action.
The Movement's emphasis on transparency and accountability reflects its commitment to ensuring that the 2027 elections are conducted in a credible and reliable manner. By addressing existing concerns and implementing measures to ensure transparency, INEC can strengthen confidence in the electoral process. This, in turn, will help reduce concerns over the credibility of the results.
The Obidient Movement's call for transparency is also aimed at ensuring that the people's mandate is respected and accurately reflected in the final outcome of the elections. The Movement believes that transparent electoral processes are essential in building trust in the democratic process. By prioritizing transparency, INEC can demonstrate its commitment to free and fair elections.
In conclusion, the Obidient Movement's urging of INEC to ensure transparency in the 2027 elections highlights the importance of credibility and reliability in the electoral process. By addressing concerns over AI deployment, electoral technology, and public confidence, INEC can ensure that the 2027 elections are conducted in a manner that protects the integrity of every vote.
Key points
- The Obidient Movement urges INEC to prioritize transparency and accountability in the 2027 electoral process.
- The Movement requests an independent audit of INEC's electoral technology to ensure transparency and accountability.
- The Obidient Movement emphasizes the need for INEC to provide a comprehensive plan covering the technologies, procedures, and safeguards to be deployed during the 2027 elections.
