By: Eric Crentsil
Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana and President of the Association of African Election Authorities (AAEA), Jean Mensa, has called for the introduction of electronic voting (e-voting) systems across Africa to address the persistent issue of rejected ballots.
Speaking at the 9th Annual Continental Forum of Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs) in Accra, she stressed that Africa must embrace technology to minimise human errors in voting and enhance electoral credibility.
“In this technological dispensation, we cannot continue relying solely on traditional paper ballots, which are prone to errors and misinterpretations,” she stated. “A well-designed e-voting system can significantly reduce rejected ballots and ensure that every vote truly counts.”
The EC boss further emphasised the need for greater collaboration among electoral bodies, civil society, and political actors to introduce innovations that would improve voter education and electoral processes.
Delivering the keynote address, Former Chief Justice of Ghana and Member of the Council of State, Justice Sophia Akuffo, cautioned that Africa’s democratic systems face a serious threat if the issue of rejected ballots is not urgently addressed.
“Democracy is at risk when a significant number of votes are rendered invalid. It undermines the will of the people and erodes public trust in electoral systems,” she stressed.
Justice Akuffo urged electoral bodies to use this forum as a turning point for reforms, saying, ”This forum must go beyond discussions and deliver practical solutions to safeguard our electoral processes and strengthen democracy across the continent.”
The two-day forum, organised by the African Union’s Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (DPAPS) in collaboration with the AAEA and supported by the European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES), is being held under the theme “All Votes Count: Addressing the Problem of Invalid or Rejected Ballots in Africa.”
Addressing participants, Commissioner of Political Affairs, Peace and Security at the African Union (AU), Patience Chiradza, reaffirmed the AU’s commitment to strengthening democratic governance across the continent.
“If voters are unsure about how to mark their ballots correctly, we are failing them. Electoral commissions must implement clear and accessible voting instructions to prevent unnecessary ballot rejections,” she advised.
On his part, Founder and Executive Director of the European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES), Fabio Bargiacchi, stressed the role of international partnerships in improving Africa’s electoral systems.
“Learning from global best practices can help electoral management bodies design more voter-friendly ballot systems. The goal should be to make voting simple and accessible while upholding the integrity of the process,” he noted.
The forum continues with expert panel discussions on the causes of invalid ballots and strategies to enhance electoral systems across Africa.
Delegates are expected to share best practices, research findings, and policy recommendations aimed at reducing ballot rejection rates and ensuring all votes count in African elections.
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