Invalid or rejected ballots present a significant challenge to electoral integrity and democratic participation across Africa. These votes, which fail to count due to improper marking or other issues, effectively disenfranchise voters and can potentially alter election outcomes, especially in closely contested races.
To address this issue, the Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (DPAPS) of the African Union Commission (AUC), in collaboration with the Association of African Electoral Authorities (AAEA) and with support from the European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES), has organized the Annual Continental Forum of Election Management Bodies (EMBs) in Accra. Themed “All Votes Count: Addressing the Problem of Invalid or Rejected Ballots in Africa,” the event is taking place on March 12th and 13th, 2025.
The forum aims to address the increasing incidence of invalid or rejected ballots in elections across the continent, which remains notably above the global average.
The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Ghana and President of the Executive Committee of the AAEA, Mrs. Jean Mensa, highlighted this issue during her remarks at the 9th Annual Continental Forum for Election Management Bodies in Accra. She provided comprehensive details on factors contributing to election malpractices and emphasized the importance of reducing rejected ballots.
“The Continental Forum for Electoral Management Bodies is an annual event organized by the African Union in collaboration with the African Electoral Authorities. Over the past eight editions, this forum has served as a platform for heads of election management bodies to share their knowledge and best practices in election administration,” she explained.
Mrs. Mensa lamented the increasing number of invalid ballots in African elections, describing it as a growing phenomenon of extreme importance. “Invalid or rejected ballots significantly impact election outcomes. This is a serious challenge to our shared experience and collective interest in promoting credible and transparent elections across the continent,” she stated.
To counter this problem ahead of Ghana’s 2024 elections, Mrs. Mensa noted that the Electoral Commission took proactive steps. “We oriented and trained our field officers on how to correctly evaluate ballot papers. They were made to understand that minor inconsistencies should not automatically lead to ballot rejection, particularly when the voter’s intention is clear. Additionally, we undertook public education campaigns to inform citizens about what constitutes a rejected or invalid ballot,” she added.
She further emphasized the importance of learning from electoral management colleagues and partners across Africa. “It is essential for the Electoral Commission of Ghana to engage with our EMB colleagues and share best practices on how to address the issue of invalid ballots. In the coming days, I encourage all of us to exchange ideas and experiences so that, by the conclusion of this forum, we will have begun forging common and lasting solutions to this growing threat to electoral processes and democratic governance on the continent,” she urged.
Mr. Fabio Bargiacchi, Founder and Executive Director of the European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES), also addressed the gathering. He stated that his organization promotes electoral and democratic strengthening through advisory services, operational support, and innovative financial and project management methodologies. “We mainstream capacity and leadership development using peer exchanges and comparative experiences to promote dialogue and prevent electoral conflicts in over 34 African countries,” he noted.
Delivering the keynote address, the former Chief Justice of Ghana and member of the Council of State, Justice Sophia Akuffo, commended participants for their dedication to democratic governance. “Your convening here today is a clear indication of your commitment to preserving the ideals of good governance and democracy on the continent. I commend you all for engaging in this cross-national dialogue and peer learning on electoral practices,” she stated.
By Madjid Diallo || GhanaNewsOnline