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Will Artificial Intelligence Change the Rules of Legislative Elections in Morocco?
🇲🇦 Morocco /Technology

Will Artificial Intelligence Change the Rules of Legislative Elections in Morocco?

From Hespress · () Arabic

Translated from Arabic, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Morocco's upcoming legislative elections are expected to be influenced by digital transformations, particularly artificial intelligence.
  • Political actors are divided on AI's role, with concerns about its potential for misinformation and manipulation versus its benefits for voter communication.
  • Key parties express caution, with one stating they will rely on traditional communication methods and realistic content, while another acknowledges AI's growing presence and the need for clearer regulation.

As Morocco approaches its legislative elections, the impact of digital advancements, especially artificial intelligence, on campaign strategies is a growing concern. The elections are particularly significant as the first national polls following the widespread adoption of AI technologies.

Artificial intelligence carries positive and negative aspects, but the negative uses are more prevalent at present. It is a rapid and powerful technological development, and it could become 'lethal' in the absence of laws governing its use, despite the positive possibilities it offers in many fields.

— Ahmed EttouiziAhmed Ettouizi, head of the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) parliamentary group, discusses the dual nature of AI.

This raises questions about the ethical boundaries of using AI in political competition. While AI offers potential benefits for voter engagement, there are also fears of its misuse for generating misleading content or manipulating images and videos, potentially compromising the integrity of the electoral process.

In Morocco, we have not yet reached the stage of employing artificial intelligence positively. Even the advertising videos that sometimes resort to this technology are not a necessity. We will use normal videos, and we have no need for artificial intelligence.

— Ahmed EttouiziEttouizi explains his party's stance on using AI in their campaign.

Political figures are weighing the pros and cons. Ahmed Ettouizi, head of the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) parliamentary group, acknowledges AI's rapid and powerful development, warning it could become "lethal" without proper legal frameworks. He noted that while negative uses like distorting individuals' images are prevalent, his party will not employ AI in their campaign, preferring "realistic communication capsules."

The use of artificial intelligence has become a reality that cannot be avoided and will grow even faster in the future, whether in electoral competition or any other field.

— Rachid HamouniRachid Hamouni, head of the Progress and Socialism Party (PPS) parliamentary group, comments on the inevitability of AI.

Conversely, Rachid Hamouni, head of the Progress and Socialism Party (PPS) parliamentary group, stated that AI's use is an undeniable reality that will accelerate. He believes that while scattered AI provisions exist in legislation, a comprehensive official and societal understanding of its sensitive nature and dual uses is lacking. The PPS has organized forums on AI, recognizing its growing influence across various sectors.

The Progress and Socialism Party was among the first to organize intellectual, political, and scientific forums on artificial intelligence.

— Rachid HamouniHamouni highlights his party's engagement with the topic of AI.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hespress in Arabic. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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