Artificial Intelligence As A Tool To Enhance Sustainable Elections And Women Participation In Africa: A Case Of Kenyan Elections

Abstract

This article seeks to critique the adoption of electronic voting (e-voting)
technologies during Kenyan elections between 2013 and 2022. It argues that evoting can only advance universal suffrage and other democratic principles when
it is preceded by strong institutional frameworks. While there is literature on
ethical considerations of electronic voting in Kenya, there is inconsiderate
attention on the pre-conditions which complemented these technologies and made
them more accessible to women. The study found that cultural, religious and
political factors have contributed to the repression of Kenya women during
electoral processes. As a result, there has been reluctance to reinforce their
participation in elections. However, the country’s recent constitution and
electoral reforms have inspired positive conditions for electoral sustainability and
improved women participation. Despite these gains, e-voting systems are prone
to power relations and distributional inequalities with detrimental effects on
future elections and women’s participation. This qualitative study draws on
secondary data concerning sustainable development, women’s participation and
the newly adopted e-voting technologies. It underscored the significance of gender
mainstreaming and political will to uphold sustainability in elections. An
interpretative paradigm was adopted for the review of existing literature which
includes the Actor-Network theory and the concept of gender mainstreaming.
The article recommends robust gender mainstreaming policies at all spheres of
government to enhance and protect women participation in the wake of electronic
voting technologies. This paper is divided into six sections namely; introduction,
statement of the problem, conceptual clarification and literature review, gaps in
existing laws and policies concerning women participation and sustainability, legal
approaches for addressing the challenges of e-voting technologies and women
participation and conclusion.