ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, SOCIAL INCLUSION, AND REPRESENTATION IN GENERAL ELECTIONS IN LESOTHO: CHALLENGES, PROSPECTS AND A FRAMEWORK FOR IMPLEMENTATION

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into Lesotho's electoral processes holds potential for enhancing social inclusion and representation. Despite the country's homogeneous ethnic makeup, its demographic diversity and socio-economic disparities present challenges to equitable political participation. This paper explores AI technologies like machine learning and natural language processing in addressing voter identification, fraud prevention, fostering social inclusion and representation and information dissemination in Lesotho's elections. Case studies from Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, and Ghana demonstrate AI's practical benefits, such as improved voter registration accuracy and enhanced electoral security. However, challenges such as the digital divide, data privacy concerns, algorithmic bias, and the need for transparency must be addressed to ensure AI fosters, rather than hinders, social inclusion. The paper proposes a financial framework to support AI adoption, emphasizing targeted investments in technological infrastructure and capacity building. Recommendations are offered for policymakers and electoral authorities on the strategic implementation of AI to achieve these goals.