The Election Commission of Pakistan has proposed amendments to the code of conduct for political parties, candidates, media and election observers to prevent misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) in the election process.
Under the proposed rules, content generated or modified by AI in election campaigns will have to be clearly identified. The Election Commission has invited suggestions from the relevant parties on the draft by November 20, 2026. These amendments are currently proposed and will be implemented only after final approval.
According to the proposed regulation, political parties and candidates will have to clearly state on images, videos, audio clips and synthetic voices generated by artificial intelligence during the election campaign that this content was created or modified with the help of AI.
The use of AI will not be allowed to deceive voters, misrepresent the words or actions of a person and create a misleading impression about the electoral process.
Proposal to ban deepfake content
The draft proposes a ban on creating fake images, voices or statements of political leaders, candidates, their supporters and election officials through deepfake technology, if their purpose is to spread false, derogatory or defamatory content.
This ban is also proposed to be applied to fake images, voices or statements of the judiciary, armed forces and other state officials.
Discouraging fake trends and artificial support
Under the proposed regulations, political parties and candidates will not be able to increase fake trends, likes, comments, shares and followers by using AI-based bots, automated accounts or other means.
The aim of this measure is to prevent methods that create an artificial impression of public support on social media and mislead voters.
Political parties and candidates will also have to maintain records of AI-generated content used in election campaigns and provide relevant details to the Election Commission upon request.
Rules for media and election observers too
The proposed amendments propose to make it mandatory for social media influencers, including print, electronic and digital media, to identify election content generated or modified by AI.
Media outlets will be able to use AI to produce, translate, anchor and analyse election news, but they will have to disclose this use and accept responsibility for the accuracy and veracity of the content.
Under the proposed procedure, relevant regulatory bodies will monitor undisclosed or misleading AI content. Action can also be taken to remove such content or put the correct label on it in the instructions of the Election Commission or the relevant body.
Election observers will also have to report suspected deepfake and misleading content to the Election Commission. They will not be able to forge or make unrealistic changes to their reports, images, videos and observations submitted to the commission through artificial intelligence.
According to the Election Commission, these proposals aim to improve transparency in the election process, protect voters from misleading content and limit the potential impact of the misuse of artificial intelligence on the election process.
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