The Election Commission (EC) said on Wednesday that it has sent a revised draft of the Representation of the People Order 1972 (RPO) to the government, proposing measures to limit the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and social media in election campaigns in ways that could violate the electoral code of conduct.
Election Commissioner Brig Gen (Retd) Abul Fazal M Sanaullah said the commission has recommended that no campaign activity be allowed on AI platforms or social media that would breach the electoral code.
Speaking at a media briefing at Nirbachon Bhaban in Agargaon, he emphasised that the amendments aim to prevent violations while ensuring fair polling practices.
Sanaullah acknowledged that the rapid development of ICT technology has made it increasingly difficult to distinguish between content that is real and content generated by AI. “Many things are there in our mobile phones which are AI,” he noted, highlighting the need to regulate AI and social media use during elections.
Under the proposed amendments, political parties will be required to submit advance information to EC, detailing the platforms they intend to use for their election campaigns.
The Election Commissioner also stated that EC has simultaneously proposed removing a provision of RPO that allows the online submission of nomination papers. Additionally, the commission recommended assigning certain responsibilities to presiding officers at polling stations to ensure smoother management during the elections.
