In order to solve the ongoing problem of invalid or rejected ballots in Africa, Jean Mensa, the chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), has pushed for the use of a “simplified” electronic voting method.
Her proposal involves using a direct recording device that would allow voters to select their preferred candidate or party logo on a screen, replacing the traditional thumb-printing method.
Speaking at the Ninth Annual Continental Forum for Electoral Management Bodies in Accra on Wednesday, Mensa expressed concern over the escalating rate of rejected ballots, highlighting their potential to influence election outcomes. Jean Mensa emphasized that election management bodies must examine the underlying factors contributing to invalid votes and develop effective solutions. “In the ever-evolving era of technology, it is about time that we, as a continent, begin to consider more effective and efficient mechanisms for voters to cast their ballots,” she stated.
The two-day Forum, hosted by Ghana’s EC in Accra and attended by over 40 representatives from electoral management bodies across Africa, is organized by the African Union in collaboration with the Association of African Election Authorities. This year’s theme is: “All votes count: addressing the problem of invalid or rejected ballots in Africa.” The participating bodies will share ideas to enhance the integrity of electoral processes and build public trust in the systems.
Jean Mensa revealed that discussions on adopting e-voting technology in Ghana are underway, but stressed that the process “will not be rushed.” She added that the Forum will explore global best practices and systems to reduce rejected ballots, alongside public sensitization and training for electoral officers.
Former Chief Justice Warns
Madam Sophia Akuffo, former Chief Justice and Member of the Council of State, warned that the rising rate of rejected ballots posed a threat to Africa’s democracy. She urged governments, electoral bodies, and stakeholders to renew efforts to preserve public trust in the electoral process, stating, “The democratic process of elections on our continent is at risk of being undermined by the increasing number of invalid or rejected ballots.”
Fabio Bargiacchi, Founder and Executive Director of the European Centre for Electoral Support, called on African election management bodies to collaborate and share experiences to strengthen public trust in democratic institutions.
EC data indicates that between 1992 and 2020, one to three percent of votes in Ghana’s national elections were rejected. In the 2020 General Election, 2.33 percent of ballots were rejected, dropping slightly to 2.08 percent in the 2024 General Election. An EC audit of the 2020 rejected ballots identified high voter illiteracy, voter dissatisfaction with candidates, and excessive caution by electoral officers as key contributing factors.
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