UK Says No To AI. Virtual Candidate Finishes Last In Polls

Mohammad Mazhar Hussain - Jul 5 - - Dev Community

In a historic first, an artificial intelligence (AI) candidate named AI Steve made its debut in the 2024 UK general election, running as an independent in the Brighton Pavilion constituency. The brainchild of businessman Steve Endacott, AI Steve aimed to provide constituents with round-the-clock access and engage them on various issues[1].

Despite its innovative approach, AI Steve failed to impress voters, securing only 179 votes (0.3% of the total) and finishing last in the race[1]. The UK election watchdog had earlier clarified that if AI Steve won the seat, the human candidate Steve Endacott would take office as a member of Parliament, not the AI entity itself[1].

The Brighton Pavilion constituency saw a 70% turnout, with the Green Party's Sian Berry emerging victorious[1]. Meanwhile, Keir Starmer's Labour Party secured a majority government, ending 14 years of Conservative rule in the UK[1]. Rishi Sunak, the incumbent Prime Minister, conceded defeat after multiple cabinet members lost their seats[1].

While AI Steve's candidature made history, its campaign struggled to gain momentum in the face of traditional political parties. The result highlights the challenges AI faces in gaining public trust and acceptance in the political arena.

Citations:
https://groups.google.com/g/maxshirt5/c/N_RVXB7mZnk
https://groups.google.com/g/maxshirt5/c/N_RVXB7mZnk
https://groups.google.com/g/maxshirt5/c/N_RVXB7mZnk

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