ECP proposes 12 amendments to rein in AI misuse in elections

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has proposed 12 amendments to the codes of conduct it issued in 2023 for political parties, media organisations and election observers. The aim is to curb the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) during elections. According to sources in the ECP, five changes concern media, five concern political parties and candidates, and three concern observers.

The draft has been uploaded to the ECP's website and shared with stakeholders. They have been invited to send feedback and suggestions to the ECP Secretariat in Islamabad by November 20, 2026. The ECP said AI is an emerging technology with implications for election stakeholders, and cited its constitutional responsibility to ensure honest, just and fair elections and to guard against corrupt practices, including manipulation through misleading AI-generated content.

For political parties and candidates, the draft bars creating, publishing, broadcasting or distributing AI-generated or manipulated material, including deepfake images, videos and audio clips, unless it carries a clear AI label. Material meant to deceive voters by falsely portraying a person's image, words or actions would be prohibited. Deepfakes that create false, derogatory or defamatory likenesses, voices or statements of party leaders, candidates, election officials, members of the judiciary, armed forces personnel and other state officials would be strictly banned.

Parties and candidates would also have to keep records of all AI-generated content produced during the election period and give full details to the ECP when required. Using AI-powered bots, automated accounts or similar tools to create fake trends or engagement, such as likes, comments, shares and followers, would be prohibited. Where AI is used for robocalls or voice-cloned messages to voters, the start of each call or message must state that it is AI-generated.

For media, outlets would have to disclose when AI-generated or modified content is broadcast, published or released. Media could use AI to prepare, translate, present or analyse election content if they tell audiences and remain responsible for its accuracy and authenticity. Geo News reported that the rules cover print, electronic and digital media, journalists and social media influencers.

PEMRA, the Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority and the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency would monitor undisclosed or unlabelled AI-generated content and report violations to the ECP, with appropriate action in cases of non-compliance. Media houses and platforms would have to promptly remove misleading or undisclosed content, or relabel it correctly, when directed by a regulator or the ECP.

For election observers, the draft requires vigilance against AI-generated or manipulated content and prompt reporting to the ECP. Geo News reported that observers should not spread such content further. Observers would also be barred from using AI to generate, alter or embellish their observations, findings, photographs, videos or reports submitted to the commission.