Artificial Intelligence and Elections: Morocco Faces a New Democratic Challenge

As Morocco approaches its next general elections, the intersection of artificial intelligence and democratic processes is emerging as a critical concern for the nation’s electoral integrity. This was the focal point of a recent policy conference at the UM6P, organized by the Policy Center for the New South and the Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security of the African Union.

The discussion, which included representatives from the Conseil national des droits de l’Homme (Morocco’s National Human Rights Institution), highlighted how elections are no longer merely institutional exercises but are deeply embedded in digital ecosystems shaped by algorithms, platforms, and AI systems.

“What voters see, share, believe, and ultimately decide is no longer incidental to democratic processes; it is central to them,” noted one of the panelists, emphasizing the profound shift in how democratic participation functions in the digital age.

Evidence from around the world demonstrates that algorithmic systems are increasingly capable of shaping public opinion at scale. During the Brexit referendum, researchers identified that over 5% of accounts using referendum-related hashtags disappeared after the vote, revealing the presence of thousands of automated accounts that had amplified political messaging.

More recently, Slovakia’s election has been described by scholars as a turning point in how AI can manipulate democratic processes. Deepfakes, synthetic media, and highly targeted disinformation campaigns deployed during that election showcased unprecedented speed and sophistication in technology-driven electoral interference.

The implications extend far beyond technical concerns about electoral processes. When AI-driven systems manipulate what citizens see or when data is exploited to influence voter behavior, fundamental human rights are compromised. Article 21 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights affirms that genuine and periodic elections are themselves a fundamental right, making technological interference not just an electoral irregularity but an attack on basic freedoms.

Disinformation in this context threatens the right to freedom of expression and the right to seek information. However, the conference highlighted a complex challenge: poorly designed responses to disinformation, such as overbroad content moderation or flawed automated detection systems, can themselves infringe upon freedom of expression.

This tension underscores the need for governance of AI in elections to be grounded in human rights principles. These rights are not optional but constitute binding obligations under international law. States have a duty to both respect these rights and protect individuals from violations by powerful technology companies.

For Africa, including Morocco, the challenge is particularly acute. The continent remains structurally behind in AI development resources and infrastructure, while the economic benefits of AI are expected to be overwhelmingly concentrated in the Global North. The digital infrastructures shaping political discourse are largely controlled by a small number of global technology companies based outside Africa.

“This raises a fundamental question of sovereignty,” explained one expert. The African AI strategy, adopted in 2024, leans toward national approaches for governance and regulation. However, from a strategic perspective, fragmented national approaches risk weakening regulatory leverage and reinforcing dependency. “Africa may end up having 54 different approaches to AI governance,” cautioned a participant.

A more coherent regional or continental strategy would not only strengthen bargaining power but also help ensure that AI systems reflect local values and provide real solutions to local problems. Such an approach could enable African states to set standards, negotiate with global platforms, and ensure that technological development aligns with local priorities.

An often overlooked aspect of the challenge is the growing influence of encrypted messaging platforms, which have become central channels for political communication. Unlike public social media, these spaces are far more difficult to monitor or study, yet they play a crucial role in how information circulates during elections. Disinformation spreading through trusted networks carries greater credibility and is harder to detect, trace, and counter.

For Morocco specifically, with general elections on the horizon, these concerns are increasingly urgent. Political actors, supporters, and external stakeholders will have access to tools that can generate persuasive content, micro-target audiences, and potentially manipulate public perception.

The key question is not whether AI will be used during Morocco’s elections, but how it will be used, how quickly harmful applications can be detected, and how rapidly stakeholders can respond. Ensuring that AI deployment does not undermine fundamental rights will require vigilance, preparedness, and a firm commitment to a human rights-based approach.

As technology continues to redefine the conditions of democratic participation, Morocco’s upcoming electoral process will be an important test case for how nations can safeguard electoral integrity in the age of artificial intelligence.