Opportunities and Challenges of Using Artificial Intelligence in the Pre-election Phase with an Emphasis on Iran's Legal and Electoral System

Davoud Mohebbi; Ali Amiri

Authors

Davoud Mohebbi Assistant Professor, Department of Public Law, Faculty of Law, University of Qom, Qom, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0009-0005-3860-1682
Ali Amiri Master’s Student, Department of Public Law, Faculty of Law, University of Qom, Qom, Iran Corresponding author https://orcid.org/0009-0008-9270-8386

Keywords:

Artificial Intelligence, Digital Governance, Elections, Iranian Electoral System, Pre-election Phase, Public Law

Abstract

The spread of artificial intelligence has created new capacities for managing and improving electoral processes. The pre-election phase is considered one of the most important areas of use for this technology due to its role in the registration and verification of candidate and voter information, authentication, data management, combating fake news and misleading information, and identifying false activities in cyberspace. The present study, using a descriptive-analytical method and utilizing library resources, examines the applications of artificial intelligence in the pre-election phase, with an emphasis on the Iranian legal and electoral system. The findings of the study show that the use of artificial intelligence can help promote the health and efficiency of electoral processes by increasing the speed and accuracy of information processing, reducing human errors, strengthening monitoring, identifying abnormal patterns, and combating the dissemination of misleading information. On the other hand, algorithmic bias, lack of transparency and explainability, privacy violations, threats to data security, liability arising from algorithmic errors, and the possibility of restricting fundamental freedoms are among the most important legal and technical challenges of this technology. An examination of the status of Iran's legal system also shows that, although some existing regulations have enabled the use of new technologies, the lack of a comprehensive, dedicated framework for regulating the use of artificial intelligence in electoral processes remains evident. Accordingly, the legitimate and responsible use of artificial intelligence in the pre-election phase requires ensuring algorithmic transparency, accountability, human oversight, protection of personal data, and respect for citizens' fundamental rights and freedoms.

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