The 9th Annual Forum for Election Management Bodies convened in Accra, Ghana, to address the significant rise in invalid or rejected ballots in African elections. Key discussions emphasized the relationship between ballot design and invalid votes, resulted in recommendations for EMBs, and included plans for a follow-up General Assembly on March 14, 2025. The forum was supported by the ECES and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasizing collaboration for electoral improvements.
The African Union Commission’s Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (DPAPS) organized the 9th Annual Forum for Election Management Bodies (EMBs) from March 12 to 13, 2025, in Accra, Ghana, aimed at addressing the rising issue of invalid or rejected ballots in African elections. This forum, held in collaboration with the Association of African Electoral Authorities (AAEA) and supported by the European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES), aimed to promote good governance and participatory democracy through peer learning.
Justice Sophia Akuffo, the former Chief Justice of Ghana, inaugurated the forum, which featured speeches from prominent figures including Mrs. Jean Mensa, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Ghana, and other notable leaders in the electoral field. They highlighted the alarming statistics concerning invalid votes, with Liberia’s invalid votes reaching 5.89% during its 2023 elections, significantly higher than the global average.
Participants included EMBs from AU Member States, international organizations, civil society, and academic bodies engaged in elections and governance. Discussions revolved around understanding the causes of invalid ballots, the relationship between ballot design and invalid votes, and strategies to mitigate these issues. Key outcomes included recommendations for EMBs, establishment of national action plans, and a committee to examine cross-national electoral best practices.
The forum culminated with the announcement of an upcoming General Assembly of the AAEA scheduled for March 14, 2025, where the findings and recommendations discussed would be further addressed. An outcome document detailing all recommendations will be released shortly. The event was supported by the Pro Electoral Integrity project of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs through ECES, emphasizing international collaboration in electoral enhancement endeavors.
The 9th Annual Forum for Election Management Bodies highlighted pressing concerns regarding the high rates of invalid ballots in African elections. With significant participation from key stakeholders, the forum underscored the necessity for collaboration and strategic planning to address electoral challenges. The establishment of national action plans and the formation of committees for sharing best practices are vital steps towards improving the integrity and effectiveness of electoral processes across the continent.
Original Source: www.peaceau.org
