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Ahead of the presidential elections in Argentina this month on 22 October, The National Electoral Chamber (CNE) of Argentina recently launched the freely available “Vot-A” chatbot.
The Turn-enabled "Vot-A" chatbot, available to the general public, is designed to prevent misinformation by providing accurate and up-to-date electoral information and resources to voters in the lead-up to the elections.
Functionality and resources on the chatbot include the location of polling stations, validation of voting documents, access to polling station authorities, guidelines on how to make electoral complaints and how to justify the non-casting of a vote.
The chatbot can be accessed via WhatsApp, by messaging the chatbot mobile number or by scanning a QR code. The chat service is available in Spanish.
According to Sebastián Schimmel, secretary of Electoral Action of the National Electoral Chamber, the objective of the service is to ensure that citizens have immediate access to accurate information to exercise their right to vote.
"the objective of the service is to ensure that citizens have immediate access to accurate information to exercise their right to vote"
In a press release issued at launch in July, Paloma Szerman, WhatsApp Public Policy Manager for Latin America, assured that Meta's alliance with the CNE intends to end disinformation.
"Meta's alliance with the CNE intends to end disinformation"
João Rio Branco, Turn.io Partnerships Lead for Latin America, commented, “At Turn.io, we recognise the enormous potential of technology in building closer ties between governments and their citizens. We are proud to collaborate with CNE and Meta on this remarkable project, strengthening democracy in Argentina and bringing citizens closer to the electoral process. We are committed to promoting progress and civic participation through innovative chat solutions to pursue a more connected and democratic society."
Voters in Argentina can access the chatbot by adding the number +54 911 2455-4444 to their contacts or entering the direct link wa.me/5491124554444 to start a conversation. By typing the word “Hello” the chatbot will respond with a menu of options.
