Ghana EC Chair Advocates E-Voting to Combat Rejected Ballots in Africa
E-Voting Urged to Improve African Electoral Credibility
- Jean Mensa has called for the adoption of electronic voting (e-voting) systems across Africa
- Mensa stressed that technology is crucial to minimizing human errors and enhancing electoral credibility.
- AU Commissioner Patience Chiradza emphasized the need for clear voting instructions
Jean Mensa, Chairperson of Ghana’s Electoral Commission (EC) and President of the Association of African Election Authorities (AAEA), has called for the adoption of electronic voting (e-voting) systems across Africa to reduce the high number of rejected ballots.
Speaking at the 9th Annual Continental Forum of Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs) in Accra, Mensa stressed that technology is crucial to minimizing human errors and enhancing electoral credibility. “A well-designed e-voting system can significantly reduce rejected ballots and ensure that every vote truly counts,” she stated.
Former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo echoed this, warning that rejected ballots threaten African democracies. She urged electoral bodies to find practical solutions to safeguard electoral processes.
The two-day forum, themed “All Votes Count: Addressing the Problem of Invalid or Rejected Ballots in Africa,” is organized by the African Union (AU), AAEA, and the European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES).
AU Commissioner Patience Chiradza emphasized the need for clear voting instructions, while ECES Director Fabio Bargiacchi highlighted the importance of international partnerships and global best practices.
The forum will continue with expert discussions on the causes of invalid ballots and strategies to improve electoral systems, focusing on reducing rejection rates and ensuring all votes are counted.
