Artificial intelligence (AI) and technology have the potential to address voter apathy, particularly among African youth. This assertion was made by Afrobarometer Director of Surveys, Boniface Dulani, at the International Political Campaigns Expo (IPE) in Cape Town, South Africa. Despite this, he emphasized that these innovations cannot replace the need for substantive policy solutions.
The IPE provided a platform for political leaders, political scientists, campaign strategists, AI experts, and technology innovators to discuss the transformative potential of AI and Big Data for political campaigns and voter engagement in Africa.
Dulani highlighted the low rate of political participation by African youth and urged political parties to leverage technology and AI to engage them. However, he stressed the need to address the underlying issues that matter most to young people, including unemployment, corruption, and the lack of trust in state institutions and leaders.
Afrobarometer data shows that unemployment is the top concern for African youth, and they are more likely to view state institutions and leaders as corrupt and untrustworthy. Furthermore, they are more willing to tolerate a military takeover of the government if elected leaders abuse their power, compared to older cohorts.
In a panel discussion at the Expo, Afrobarometer co-founder and senior adviser Robert Mattes emphasized the significance of face-to-face interactions in political campaigns and debunked the misconception that gifts significantly influence voter turnout. According to Mattes, face-to-face contacts have a far greater impact on voter engagement, with canvassing and campaign rallies also playing crucial roles.
The Expo featured a diverse lineup of speakers with a shared commitment to effective political campaigns that promote sustainable development across the continent.
“Simply reaching out through technology is not sufficient,” Dulani insisted. “Political actors must actively tackle the root causes of youth apathy.”
In a separate panel discussion at the Expo, Afrobarometer co-founder and senior adviser Robert Mattes echoed concerns about dissatisfaction eroding political party support. Mattes emphasised the impact of face-to-face interactions in political campaigns and debunked the misconception that gifts significantly influence voter turnout.
The International Political Campaigns Expo featured a line-up of speakers with a diverse range of perspectives and expertise, showcasing a shared commitment to effective political campaigns that promote sustainable development across the continent.
The International Political Campaigns Expo provided valuable insights into the potential of AI and technology to engage African youth in political participation. While these innovations offer opportunities for greater engagement, they cannot serve as a panacea for addressing the underlying issues that matter most to young people.
