MAYIS 2023 SEÇİMLERİ BAĞLAMINDA SEÇİM GÜVENLİĞİ VE YAPAY ZEKA UYGULAMALARI: RİSKLER, FIRSATLAR VE POLİTİKA ÖNERİLERİ

Year 2025, Volume: 16 Issue: 2, 1036 - 1063, 29.12.2025

Mert Mahir Göz

https://doi.org/10.54688/ayd.1762761

Abstract

Bu çalışma, dijitalleşmenin hızlı ivmelenmesi ve yapay zeka (YZ) teknolojilerinin siyaset ile kamu yönetimine entegrasyonunun yol açtığı dönüşümleri, özellikle seçim süreçleri üzerindeki etkileri bağlamında incelemektedir. Geleneksel oy verme yöntemlerinin zaman alıcı olması ve yüksek maliyetleri nedeniyle giderek eleştirilmesiyle, YZ destekli dijital oy kullanma uygulamaları siyasal ve akademik tartışmalarda ön plana çıkmıştır. Bu tür sistemler, modern yönetişim ilkeleriyle uyumlu olarak katılımcı ve şeffaf seçimlerin artırılmasında umut vadeden araçlar olarak görülürken, beraberinde bazı potansiyel zorlukları da getirmektedir. Bu bağlamda, çalışma, YZ uygulamalarının seçim bütünlüğüne yönelik sunduğu fırsatlar ve riskleri Türkiye’de 2023 Mayıs ayında gerçekleştirilen Cumhurbaşkanlığı ve genel seçimler özelinde ele almaktadır. Vaka incelemesi yöntemi ve doküman analizi kullanılarak yürütülen araştırmada, Yüksek Seçim Kurulu (YSK) resmi verileri, medya haberleri, bağımsız seçim gözlem raporları ve akademik yayınlar gibi çeşitli ikincil kaynaklardan yararlanılmıştır. Analiz, YZ teknolojilerinin seçim yönetiminde etkinlik, doğruluk ve şeffaflığa katkı sağlarken; etik ihlaller, veri gizliliği ihlalleri ve manipülasyon gibi riskler de barındırabileceğini ortaya koymaktadır. Bu bulgular doğrultusunda, çalışma, YZ çağında seçim güvenliğini korumaya yönelik hedefe yönelik politika önerileri sunmaktadır.

Keywords

Dijitalleşme , Seçim Güvenliği , Siyaset , Teknoloji , Türkiye , Yapay Zeka

ELECTORAL SECURITY AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE APPLICATIONS IN THE CONTEXT OF THE MAY 2023 ELECTIONS: RISKS, OPPORTUNITIES AND POLICY RECOMMENDATION

Abstract

This study explores the transformations driven by the rapid acceleration of digitalization and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies into politics and public administration, with a particular focus on their influence on electoral processes. As traditional voting methods increasingly face criticism for their time-consuming nature and high costs, the concept of AI-assisted digital voting procedures has gained prominence in political and academic discourse. Such systems are viewed as promising tools to enhance participatory and transparent elections, aligning with modern governance principles, yet they also present potential challenges. In this context, the study examines both the opportunities and the risks that AI applications pose to election integrity, using the May 2023 Presidential and general elections in Türkiye as a central case. Employing a case study approach alongside document analysis, the research draws upon a wide range of secondary sources, including official data from the Supreme Election Council (YSK), media reports, independent election observation findings, and scholarly publications. The analysis reveals that while AI technologies can contribute to efficiency, accuracy, and transparency in electoral management, they may also introduce risks such as ethical breaches, data privacy violations, and potential manipulation. Based on these findings, the study offers targeted policy recommendations aimed at safeguarding election security in the age of AI.

Keywords

Digitalization , Election Security , Politics , Technology , Türkiye , Artificial Intelligence

References

• Akar, F. (2023). Political advertising in electoral campaigns: An analysis of AK Party and CHP advertisements in the May 14, 2023 election. Abant Journal of Cultural Studies, 8 (16), 165–182.
• Aktaş, D., & Arap, İ. (2023). Use of technology in elections within the context of election security in Turkey. Journal of Business in the Digital Age, 6 (2), 156–178. https://doi.org/10.46238/jobda.1343141
• Al Jazeera. (2024a, March 15). Just how big is India’s 2024 election? Find out in seven numbers. www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/3/16/india-announces-election-2024-seven-numbers-to-unpack-worlds-biggest-vote
• Al Jazeera. (2024b, May 16). Jailed ex-PM Imran Khan appears before Pakistan top court by videolink. www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/5/16/jailed-ex-pm-imran-khan-appears-before-pakistan-top-court-by-videolink
• Anadolu Ajansı. (2023, April 14). Oy Birliği Platformu informs voters and observers about elections via artificial intelligence assistant. AA. www.aa.com.tr/en/politics/oy-birligi-platformu-yapay-zeka-asistani-araciligiyla-secmen-ve-musahitleri-secim-hakkinda-bilgilendiriyor/2872103
• Aykırı. (2023, May 3). These images sparked controversy: They made Erdoğan and Kılıçdaroğlu talk with artificial intelligence. www.aykiri.com.tr/bu-goruntuler-tartisma-yaratti-yapay-zeka-ile-erdogan-ve-kilicdaroglu-nu-konusturdular/39082
• Basnet, A. B. (2022). Artificial intelligence in cyber security (Bachelor’s thesis, Centria University of Applied Sciences), pp. 1–29.
• BBC News. (2023a, May 10). May 14 elections: How will ballot box and election security be ensured? www.bbc.com/turkce/articles/c4nwwnp643wo
• BBC News. (2023b, May 22). Sinan Oğan announced support for President Erdoğan in the second round. www.bbc.com/turkce/articles/cgxl5nn2q5lo
• BBC News. (2023c, May 23). Ballot volunteers: How many applied for the second round, what is the distribution in Turkey, how are they assigned? www.bbc.com/turkce/articles/cg3dqgl9q66o
• Belada, N. E. S. (2024). Deepfake disinformation. Bilişim Hukuku Dergisi, 6(1), 321–358. https://doi.org/10.55009/bilisimhukukudergisi.1387306
• Beren, F. (2013). Factors influencing voter preferences and election security: The case of Şanlıurfa province. Akademik İncelemeler Dergisi (Journal of Academic Inquiries), 8(1), 191–214.
• Bond, S. (2024, February 8). AI fakes raise election risks as lawmakers and tech companies scramble to catch up. NPR. www.npr.org/2024/02/08/1229641751/ai-deepfakes-election-risks-lawmakers-tech-companies-artificial-intelligence
• Bondar, K. (2025, March 6). Ukraine’s future vision and current capabilities for waging AI‑enabled autonomous warfare. Center for Strategic and International Studies. www.csis.org/analysis/ukraines-future-vision-and-current-capabilities-waging-ai-enabled-autonomous-warfare
• Bowen, G. (2009). Document analysis as a qualitative research method. Qualitative Research Journal, 9(2), 27–40.
• Britannica. (2025, May 18). The Nazi Party and Hitler’s rise to power. www.britannica.com/topic/Nazi-Party/The-Nazi-Party-and-Hitlers-rise-to-power
• Central European Digital Media Observatory (CEDMO). (2024, November 25). How AI-generated content influenced parliamentary elections in Slovakia: The Slovak Police will investigate the recording for a third time. Retrieved from https://cedmohub.eu/how-ai-generated-content-influenced-parliamentary-elections-in-slovakia-the-slovak-police-will-investigate-the-recording-for-a-third-time/?utm
• Cumhuriyet. (2023, April 28). Tunç Soyer: We will not let cats into the transformer. Retrieved from www.cumhuriyet.com.tr/siyaset/tunc-soyer-trafoya-kediyi-sokmayacagiz-2076068
• Cumhuriyet Halk Partisi. (2023, May 2). Muharrem Erkek: “They have established a parallel structure to the Supreme Election Council within the Ministry of Interior!” Retrieved from https://chp.org.tr/haberler/muharrem-erkek-cisleri-bakanliginda-yskya-paralel-yapi-kurmuslar
• Çarkoğlu, A. (2023, February 25). The impact of the earthquake and candidacy debates on the election. Yetkin Report. Retrieved from https://www.yetkinreport.com/2023/02/15/deprem-ve-adaylik-tartismalarinin-secimlere-etkisi/
• Çetinkaya, G. (2019). The rise of the Nazis to power before World War II and Turkish-German relations. International Journal of Social Sciences and Education, 1 (1), 87–97.
• Dahl, R. A. (2021). On democracy. Phoenix Publishing.
• Deutsche Welle. (2023a, January 18). Why are the May 14 elections being brought forward? Retrieved from www.dw.com/tr/14-mayis-secimleri-neden-one-aliniyor/438430
• Deutsche Welle. (2023b, May 11). How will election security be ensured on May 14? Retrieved from https://www.dw.com/tr/14-mayista-sandik-guvenligi-nasil-saglanacak/65583247
• Deutsche Welle. (2024, November 17). The election year 2024 did not bode well for governments worldwide. Retrieved from https://www.dw.com/tr/d%C3%BCnyan%C4%B1n-se%C3%A7im-y%C4%B1l%C4%B1-2024-iktidarlara-iyi-gelmedi/a-70803716
• Euro News. (2020, November 7). US presidential election: Allegation of “ballots thrown in trash” in Georgia. Retrieved from https://tr.euronews.com/2020/11/07/abd-de-baskanl-k-secimi-georgia-eyaletinde-oy-pusulas-cope-gitti-suclamasi
• Euro News. (2023a, May 11). KONDA poll: Kılıçdaroğlu at 49.3%, Erdoğan at 43.7%, possibility of first round finish. Retrieved from https://tr.euronews.com/2023/05/11/konda-anketi-kilicdaroglu-yuzde-493-erdogan-yuzde-437-ilk-turda-bitme-ihtimali-var
• Euro News. (2023b, May 23). Reactions to Erdoğan admitting Kılıçdaroğlu video was edited: Who said what? Retrieved from https://tr.euronews.com/2023/05/23/kilicdaroglu-videosunun-montaj-oldugunu-kabul-eden-erdogana-tepkiler-kim-ne-dedi
• Euro News. (2024, May 4). AI-powered F-16 and pilot-controlled F-16 fighter jets engage in ‘dogfight’ in US. Retrieved from https://tr.euronews.com/2024/05/04/abdde-yapay-zekali-f-16-ile-pilot-kontrolundeki-f-16-savas-ucaklari-it-dalasi-yapti
• European Commission. (2024, June 3). AI Act. Retrieved from https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/regulatory-framework-aiutm
• Figoli, F. A., Mattioli, F., & Rampino, L. (2022). Artificial intelligence in the design process. Milan: FrancoAngeli.
• Gong, J. (2024, March 14). AI governance in China: Strategies, initiatives, and key considerations. Bird & Bird. Retrieved from https://www.twobirds.com/en/insights/2024/china/ai-governance-in-china-strategies-initiatives-and-key-considerations
• Gupta, N., & Mathews, N. (2024, September 25). India’s experiments with AI in the 2024 elections: The good, the bad, the in-between. Tech Policy Press. Retrieved from https://www.techpolicy.press/indias-experiments-with-ai-in-the-2024-elections-the-good-the-bad-the-inbetween
• Haber Türk. (2022, June 6). 6 parties announced election security measures. Retrieved from https://www.haberturk.com/6-parti-secim-guvenligi-tedbirlerini-acikladi-3462091
• Hanedar, F. (2024, May 21). U.S. Professor Hendricks evaluated the impact of social media and artificial intelligence on political elections. Retrieved from https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/gundem/abdli-profesor-hendricks-sosyal-medya-yapay-zekanin-siyasi-secimlere-etkisini-degerlendirdi/322595
• Heinrichs, J. (2024, December 27). Sora AI review: Will artificial intelligence completely replace videographers? Unite AI. Retrieved from https://www.unite.ai/tr/sora-ai-incelemesi/
• Hockley, A. (2021). The computer ate my photos: Artificial intelligence and the future of photography. Independently published. Retrieved from https://www.francoangeli.it/come_pubblicare/pubblicare_19.asp
• Hsu, T. (2024, January 22). New Hampshire officials to investigate A.I. robocalls mimicking Biden. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/22/business/media/biden-robocall-ai-new-hampshire.html
• Hürriyet. (2023, May 15). May 14 election results. Retrieved from https://secim.hurriyet.com.tr/14-mayis-2023-secimleri/secim-sonuclari/
• International IDEA. (2024, April 29). Artificial intelligence for electoral management. Retrieved from https://www.idea.int/publications/catalogue/artificial-intelligence-electoral-management
• Ioannou, D. (2023, May 26). Deepfakes, cheapfakes, and Twitter censorship mar Turkey’s elections. Wired. Retrieved from https://www.wired.com/story/deepfakes-cheapfakes-and-twitter-censorship-mar-turkeys-elections/
• İHA. (2023, April 6). Meta prepares for Turkey’s 2023 general elections. Retrieved from https://www.iha.com.tr/haber-meta-turkiyenin-2023-genel-secimlerine-hazirlaniyor-1160577
• Jungherr, A., & Rauchfleisch, A. (2024). Negative downstream effects of alarmist disinformation discourse: Evidence from the United States. Political Behavior. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11109-024-09911-3
• Karakoç, E., & Zeybek, B. (2022). Is seeing believing? Political deepfake content as a distinctive form of visual disinformation. Öneri Dergisi, 17(57), 50–72. https://doi.org/10.14783/maruoneri.908542
• Keskin, Ö. H. (2023, May 10). The claim that the video of Kılıçdaroğlu saying “Erdoğan is the leader of the century” is real. Teyit. Retrieved from https://teyit.org/analiz/kilicdaroglunun-erdogan-asrin-lideridir-dedigi-videonun-gercek-oldugu-iddiasi
• Kırık, A. M., & Özkoçak, V. (2023). History and technology of artificial intelligence in media and communication: Digital transformation with ChatGPT and deepfake. Karadeniz Uluslararası Bilimsel Dergi, (58), 73–99. https://doi.org/10.17498/kdeniz.1308471
• Kurnaz, A. (2023). The rise of digital politics and artificial intelligence. In Artificial intelligence debates in the context of politics, public administration and international relations (pp. 1–26). Ekin Publishing.
• Kurtuluş, Ö. (2023, December 22). Use of artificial intelligence in election campaigns. Retrieved from https://ozgurkurtulus.com.tr/yapay-zekanin-secim-kampanyalarda-kullanimi/?utm
• Marr, B. (2022). The artificial intelligence revolution. Optimist Publishing.
• Mayer-Schönberger, V., & Ramge, T. (2018). Reinventing capitalism in the age of big data. Basic Books.
• McIsaac, C. (2024, June 11). Impact of artificial intelligence on elections. R Street Institute. Retrieved from https://www.rstreet.org/research/impact-of-artificial-intelligence-on-elections/
• Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Turkey. (2023a, March 13). Circular on election measures sent to the governorships of 81 provinces. Retrieved from https://www.icisleri.gov.tr/81-il-valiligine-secim-tedbirleri-genelgesi-gonderildi
• Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Turkey. (2023b, December 20). Election legislation. Retrieved from https://www.icisleri.gov.tr/illeridaresi/secim-mevzuati
• Mughal, N. (2024, February 22). Deepfakes, internet access cuts make election coverage hard, journalists say. Voice of America. Retrieved from https://www.voanews.com/a/deepfakes-internet-access-cuts-make-election-coverage-hard-journalists-say-/7498917.html
• New York Times. (2018, April 4). Cambridge Analytica and Facebook: The scandal and the fallout so far. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/04/us/politics/cambridge-analytica-scandal-fallout.html
• Newsweek. (2023, May 12). Erdogan’s rival blames Russia for Turkey deepfakes: ‘Election meddling’. Retrieved from https://www.newsweek.com/erdogan-rival-russia-turkey-election-1799962
• Norris, P. (2014). International concern about electoral malpractices. In Why electoral integrity matters (pp. 75–90). Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9781107280861.007
• Oda TV. (2023, May 12). Erdoğan’s harsh reaction from Kılıçdaroğlu to his presentation of a manipulated video as real [Video]. YouTube. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUoFzFPU
• Official Gazette of the Republic of Turkey. (2022, October 18). Law No. 7420 amending the Income Tax Law and some other laws [Official Gazette No. 31987]. Retrieved from https://www.resmigazete.gov.tr/eskiler/2022/10/20221018-1.htm
• Orakoğlu, B. (2023, May 10). Treacherous attack and scandal censorship on Istanbul rally from Pentagon-controlled Twitter! Yeni Şafak. Retrieved from https://www.yenisafak.com/yazarlar/bulent-orakoglu/istanbul-mitingine-pentagon-kontrolundeki-twitterdan-kalles-saldiri-ve-skandal-sansur-4529186?utm
• Organization for Security Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). (2023, November 11). Elections in Türkiye. Retrieved from https://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/turkiye
• Özizer, H. (2024). An evaluation of the benefits and harms of artificial intelligence. International Journal of Social and Humanities Sciences Research, 11(104), 336–348. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10732044
• Özsalih, A. (2023). Media agenda setting through fake news generated by artificial intelligence. Turkish Online Journal of Design Art and Communication, 13(3), 533–550. https://doi.org/10.7456/tojdac.1285554
• Özsoy, A. (2023, December 4). They came with the earthquake, they will leave with the earthquake. Türk Solu. Retrieved from https://www.turksolu.com.tr/depremle-geldiler-depremle-gidecekler/
• Panditharatne, M. (2024, May 9). The election year risks of AI. Brennan Center for Justice. Retrieved from https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/analysis-opinion/election-year-risks-ai
• Panditharatne, M., & Norden, L. (2023, October 5). Artificial intelligence and election security. Brennan Center for Justice. Retrieved from https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/artificial-intelligence-and-election-security
• Paternoster, T. (2025, March 10). Polish Prime Minister Tusk defends Poland’s foreign minister called “little man” by Musk. Euro News. Retrieved from https://tr.euronews.com/2025/03/10/polonya-basbakani-tusk-muskin-kucuk-adam-dedigi-polonya-disisleri-bakanini-savundu
• Presidency of the Republic of Turkey Digital Transformation Office. (2021). Statement from our president on the national technology initiative and digital Turkey. Retrieved from https://cbddo.gov.tr/haberler/4259/cumhurbaskani-erdogan-hgm-atlas-ve-hgm-kure-uygulamalarinin-tanitilmasi-toreni-nde-dijital-gelisimi-vurguladi
• Reuters. (2025, January 17). Pakistan’s Imran Khan handed 14-year jail term in land graft case. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/pakistan-court-sentences-ex-pm-imran-khan-14-years-land-graft-case-ary-news-2025-01-17
• Rudaw. (2023, May 24). Erdoğan’s statement on manipulated video: The product of our youth’s quick wit. Retrieved from https://www.rudaw.net/turkish/middleeast/turkey/240520234
• Russell, S. J., & Norvig, P. (2022). Artificial intelligence: A modern approach (4th ed.). London, UK: Pearson Education Press.
• Sağır, S., Öztoprak, M., & Karkın, N. (2005). Contemporary problems of democracy and democratic paradoxes. Akdeniz İ.İ.B.F. Journal, (10), 1–25.
• Saitoğlu, F. (2025). Artificial intelligence technologies in the context of election security: Current debates and recommendations. Journal of Public Administration and Technology, 7(1), 53–73. https://doi.org/10.58307/kaytek.1492981
• Sayler, M. K. (2020). Artificial intelligence and national security (CRS Report No. R45178). Congressional Research Service. Retrieved from https://crsreports.congress.gov
• Sebes, J. E., & Miller, G. A. (2008). Malfunction or misfit: Comparing requirements, inputs, and public confidence outcomes of e-voting in the U.S. and Europe. In Electronic Voting 2008, EVOTE08 – 3rd International Conference.
• Shukla, V., & Schneier, B. (2024, January 12). India’s latest election embraced AI technology. Here are some ways it was used constructively. PBS News. Retrieved from https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/indias-latest-election-embraced-ai-technology-here-are-some-ways-it-was-used-constructively
• South China Morning Post. (2024, June 16). Chinese scientists create and cage world’s first AI commander in a PLA laboratory. Retrieved from https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/326644/chinese-scientists-create-and-cage-worlds-first-ai-commander-pla-laboratory?
• Sözcü. (2023, March 19). İmamoğlu’s election security statement: Let’s not allow cats to enter transformers. Retrieved from https://www.sozcu.com.tr/imamoglundan-secim-guvenligi-aciklamasi-trafolara-kedilerin-girmesine-musaade-etmeyelim-wp7625878
• Sreelakshmi, S., & Anoop, V. S. (2024). Cognitive computing and big data for digital health: Past, present, and the future. In R. Das, M. Mitra, & C. Singh (Eds.), Era of artificial intelligence (pp. 55–66). London: CRC Press.
• Supreme Election Council of Turkey. (2019). Duties and authorities of the Supreme Election Council. Retrieved from https://www.ysk.gov.tr/tr/ysk-gorev-ve-yetkileri/1493
• Supreme Election Council of Turkey. (2023). 28 May 2023 presidential election second round bulletin. www.ysk.gov.tr/doc/dosyalar/docs/28%20May%C4%B1s%202023%20Cumhurba%C5%9Fkan%C4%B1%20Se%C3%A7imi%202.%20Oylama%20B%C3%BClteni.pdf
• The Economist. (2024, March 12). India’s election could be the world’s most expensive. Retrieved from https://www.economist.com/asia/2024/03/21/indias-election-could-be-the-worlds-most-expensive
• The Guardian. (2018, March 17). Revealed: 50 million Facebook profiles harvested for Cambridge Analytica in major data breach. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/news/2018/cambridge-analytica-facebook-influence-us-election
• The Independent. (2023, March 30). OpenAI CEO Sam Altman calls Elon Musk a “jerk.” Retrieved from https://www.indyturk.com/node/60261/openai-ceosu-sam-altman-elon-muska-pislik-dedi
• The Independent. (2025, January 17). Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan sentenced to 14 years in prison. Retrieved from https://www.indyturk.com/node/752366/haber/pakistan-eski-basbakan-imran-han-14yil.hapis-cezasina-carptirildi
• The Journalist Resource. (2024, February 16). How AI deepfakes threaten the 2024 elections. Retrieved from https://journalistsresource.org/home/how-ai-deepfakes-threaten-the-2024-elections/
• Thompson, S. A., & Myers, S. L. (2024, January 9). Elections and disinformation are colliding like never before in 2024. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/09/business/media/election-disinformation-2024.html
• TRT Haber. (2023, May 12). Russia’s statement on Turkey elections. Retrieved from https://www.trthaber.com/haber/dunya/rusyadan-turkiye-secimleri-aciklamasi-766872.html
• Union of Turkish Bar Associations. (2023). Legal guide for voters. Retrieved from https://d.barobirlik.org.tr/2023/Secmenler-Icin-Hukuk-Rehberi/6/
• United Nations Regional Information Centre for Western Europe (UNRIC). (n.d.). Can artificial intelligence (AI) influence elections? Retrieved from https://unric.org/en/can-artificial-intelligence-ai-influence-elections/
• Uzun, C. D. (2024, March 16). 31 March local elections and election security. Foundation for Political, Economic and Social Research (SETA). Retrieved from https://www.setav.org/secim-guvenligi/31-mart-yerel-secimleri-ve-secim-guvenligi
• VOA. (2023, May 2). What happened in the Cambridge Analytica scandal? Retrieved from https://www.voaturkce.com/a/kilicdaroglu-uyarisiyla-gundeme-gelen-cambridge-analytica-skandalina-ne-olmustu/7075607.html
• Wach, E. (2013). Learning about qualitative document analysis. Institute of Development Studies. Retrieved from https://www.ids.ac.uk/publications/learning-about-qualitative-documentanalysis/