Artificial Intelligence in politics: Meet world's first AI candidate who is all set to contest elections from..

AI or Artificial Intelligence has transcended the boundaries of science fiction, becoming an integral part of our daily lives. From virtual assistants and automated customer service agents to AI news anchors and virtual teachers, the technology is making remarkable strides. Now, AI is set to make an unprecedented leap into the political arena. For the first time, an AI candidate is preparing to contest in a national parliamentary election.

This groundbreaking development is taking place in Britain, where voting for the country’s Parliament is scheduled for July 4. The upcoming UK elections have garnered global attention, particularly following Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's resignation due to economic challenges. Among the candidates filing nominations is an AI entity named 'AI Steve,' making these elections a significant topic of discussion worldwide.

The innovative idea of fielding an AI candidate in the UK elections comes from businessman Steve Endacott. At 59 years old, Endacott has entered the election fray by submitting a nomination form under the name AI Steve, complete with an AI-generated photo. This virtual candidate, AI Steve, will essentially stand in for Endacott in the election. If successful, AI Steve would become the first AI candidate to win a parliamentary seat, potentially revolutionizing the future of politics.

According to a Reuters report, Endacott’s ambitions extend beyond just this election. His broader vision, under the banner of the SmarterUK party, includes the widespread integration of AI into the parliamentary system. Endacott aims to prepare numerous AI candidates to participate in future elections, marking a significant step towards a new democratic beginning. He plans to recruit AI workers across the country, who could eventually stand as candidates, transforming the political landscape.

Endacott has nominated his AI avatar from the Brighton Pavilion, a southern seaside constituency. Notably, he previously contested and lost the local elections at this seat on behalf of the Conservative Party in 2022. This time, however, Endacott is hopeful that his innovative approach will resonate with voters, offering a fresh and technologically advanced perspective on governance.

Even if AI Steve wins the election, the virtual candidate will not physically occupy a seat in Parliament. Instead, Steve Endacott plans to act as the primary representative, guided by AI Steve as his co-pilot. This means that the real politician, Endacott, will attend Parliament sessions, informed and supported by the insights and data provided by his AI counterpart.

Endacott asserts that an AI leader offers unique advantages. AI Steve would be available to the public 24/7, engaging with constituents in real-time on various issues, from housing and waste management to immigration.  The AI would solicit suggestions from the public and share its own ideas, fostering a continuous dialogue. Moreover, if AI Steve encounters an unfamiliar issue, it can quickly research and provide informed responses, ensuring a well-rounded approach to problem-solving.

In conclusion, Steve Endacott's experiment with AI Steve could mark the beginning of a new era in politics. By leveraging AI's capabilities, he aims to create a more responsive and accessible governance model. This pioneering effort in Britain could set a precedent for the integration of advanced technology in democratic processes worldwide, reshaping how political systems operate and interact with the public.