AI Candidates Transforming Democracy: First-Time Presence in UK Parliamentary Elections

The UK is preparing for a general election on July 4, where a new House of Commons will be elected. The ruling Conservative Party and opposition Labour Party are bracing for a fierce contest, with the current Prime Minister facing potential changes in administration. During this critical period, the world’s first AI-generated parliamentary candidate, AI Steve, is set to run as an independent in Brighton and Hove, Southeast England.

AI Steve, created by entrepreneur Steve Endacott, represents a new frontier in democracy. This AI candidate harnesses computational power to analyze vast amounts of government documents and policy briefs, generating informed recommendations that human candidates might overlook. This prompts an intriguing question: can AI candidates offer a compelling alternative for disillusioned voters?

AI Steve's platform is ambitious, advocating for a four-day workweek by 2030, increasing prison capacity, abolishing Ultra Low Emission Zone charges in London, raising national insurance, and implementing route-tracking systems for garbage trucks to tackle overflowing bins in coastal areas. Voters can engage with AI Steve online to discuss policies and suggest new ideas, with Endacott committed to presenting this collective feedback as formal proposals in Parliament. “We are reshaping democracy, enabling voters to communicate directly with their representatives from the comfort of their homes,” Endacott states.

AI Steve is not alone in this innovative movement. In Cheyenne, Wyoming, the Virtual Integrated Citizen (VIC), created by librarian Victor Miller and based on OpenAI's GPT-4, is also vying for mayor. Despite its reported IQ of 155, local laws prevent voters from selecting VIC directly; instead, they can vote for Miller, who considers himself a conduit for the AI's ideas.

Previously, the UK has witnessed non-human candidates stepping into political circles, often as satire. Lord Buckethead, known for his black helmet and cloak, has campaigned multiple times as a tongue-in-cheek critique of the political system, inspired by a sci-fi villain from the 1984 film "Gremloids." Similarly, during the 2022 election, Larry the Cat, the Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office, humorously ran for prime minister to highlight the absurdities of political representation.

In Belarus, an AI candidate named Yas Gaspadar is campaigning for parliament, advocating for democratic reforms including a ban on nuclear weapon imports and fair elections. Created by opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Gaspadar serves as a digital critique of the existing political landscape.

Experts argue that AI candidates, with their ability to process extensive information, could develop better-informed policies than human politicians. However, challenges like "AI hallucination," which can lead to inaccuracies based on flawed data, must be addressed. Long Do, CEO of Anomaly, asserts that while fully entrusting political roles to AI is not yet feasible, its integration in governance can enhance efficiency and inclusiveness. Nonetheless, the success of AI in politics relies on transparency, ethical practices, and strong oversight to maintain public trust.

Despite increasing political dissatisfaction globally, public opinion toward AI candidates tends to be skeptical. Recent surveys reveal that over half of American adults (58%) are concerned that AI could worsen misinformation during the 2024 presidential election. Similar sentiments are echoed by surveyed adults who express more anxiety than excitement about the role of AI in daily life.