ShodhPatra: International Journal of Science and Humanities

AI-Powered Election Manipulation: A Critical Analysis of Disinformation Tactics and Democratic Safeguards

Artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed the electoral political scene in recent years by deploying advanced disinformation strategies that put the integrity of democracy at risk. This study aims to examine how AI-powered technologies like bots, deepfakes, and algorithmic amplification are used to influence public opinion and election results, with a particular emphasis on their effects in democratic communities. This research uses a mixed-methods approach, combining discourse analysis, network analysis, expert interviews, and policy analysis, utilizing the Framing Theory and the Computational Propaganda Framework. The study pinpoints important trends in AI-driven disinformation tactics, such as microtargeting, the spread of synthetic media, and coordinated inauthentic behavior, by looking at high-profile election case studies, such as the 2020 U.S. elections and European parliamentary campaigns. Additionally, it offers a critical analysis of the democratic safeguards that governments, civil society, and digital platforms have put in place to address these dangers, assessing their efficacy and restrictions. When confronted with the rapid evolution of digital manipulation, the results illustrate the resilience and weaknesses of democratic institutions. This research adds to the scholarly discussion by providing a nuanced perspective on the interaction between technological breakthroughs, political communication, and democratic procedures. In addition, it provides practical advice to policymakers, tech firms, and civil society organizations working to improve electoral integrity in the era of artificial intelligence.