By: Eric Crentsil
The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Ghana and President of the Association of African Electoral Authorities (AAEA), Jean Mensa, has described the rising number of rejected ballots in African elections as a major threat to democratic processes across the continent.
She stressed the urgent need for reforms to ensure that every valid vote counts.
Speaking to the media at the closing session of the 9th Annual Continental Forum of Election Management Bodies (EMBs) in Accra, Jean Mensa outlined key proposals to address the issue, including simplified electronic voting, redesigned ballot papers, and comprehensive voter education in local languages.
”A high number of rejected ballots is a block on our democracy. It is important that we educate citizens on the proper way to cast their votes to ensure that every vote counts,” she stated.
According to statistics presented at the forum, Africa has one of the highest rates of rejected ballots globally, often due to complicated ballot designs, voter illiteracy, and improper ballot marking. The impact of these rejected votes has, in some cases, been significant enough to influence election outcomes.
While acknowledging that the proposals discussed at the forum are not legally binding for any individual country, she expressed confidence that they would serve as valuable recommendations to enhance electoral credibility across the continent.
”Based on the context, these proposals are not being imposed on members. The forum is focused on reducing rejected ballots. Now, members are to go back, reflect on the proposals, and implement what works best in their electoral processes,” she explained.
The forum, attended by election management bodies from across Africa, highlighted the importance of voter education and ballot accessibility in strengthening electoral democracy.
With elections approaching in several African nations, the onus is now on individual electoral bodies to adopt and implement reforms that will reduce rejected ballots and enhance voter confidence.
