Invalid or rejected ballots current a big problem to electoral integrity and democratic participation throughout Africa. These votes, which fail to rely because of improper marking or different points, successfully disenfranchise voters and might doubtlessly alter election outcomes, particularly in carefully contested races.
To tackle this difficulty, 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 help 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 occasion is happening on March twelfth and thirteenth, 2025.
The discussion board goals to handle the rising incidence of invalid or rejected ballots in elections throughout the continent, which stays notably above the worldwide common.
The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Ghana and President of the Executive Committee of the AAEA, Mrs. Jean Mensa, highlighted this difficulty throughout her remarks on the ninth Annual Continental Forum for Election Management Bodies in Accra. She offered complete particulars on components contributing to election malpractices and emphasised the significance of decreasing 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 defined.
Mrs. Mensa lamented the rising variety of invalid ballots in African elections, describing it as a rising phenomenon of utmost significance. “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 said.
To counter this downside forward of Ghana’s 2024 elections, Mrs. Mensa famous 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 additional emphasised the significance of studying from electoral administration colleagues and companions throughout 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), additionally addressed the gathering. He said that his group promotes electoral and democratic strengthening via advisory companies, operational help, and revolutionary monetary and undertaking administration 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 famous.
Delivering the keynote tackle, the previous Chief Justice of Ghana and member of the Council of State, Justice Sophia Akuffo, recommended members for his or her 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 said.
By Madjid Diallo || GhanaNewsOnline