In a recent address, Mrs. Jean Mensa, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, emphasized the importance of reducing rejected ballots in Africa to strengthen democracy. During the 12th General Assembly of the Association of African Election Authorities, she highlighted the need for innovative solutions and public education to ensure every vote counts. The Assembly included discussions on new leadership and strategies to enhance electoral processes.
Mrs. Jean Mensa, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, has urged electoral management bodies across Africa to strive for zero rejected ballots, highlighting it as a significant issue affecting democracy on the continent. She stated that the prevalence of rejected ballots is “a blot on our democracy” and underlined the importance of making every vote count in electoral processes.
During her interview after the 12th General Assembly of the Association of African Election Authorities, Mrs. Mensa expressed concern regarding the high rate of rejected ballots in national elections. This issue presents a risk to the credibility of elections and requires immediate action from electoral management bodies.
To combat this problem, she recommended implementing solutions such as e-voting technologies, redesigning ballot papers, and providing extensive public education about voting procedures. Mrs. Mensa emphasized the necessity of not only distributing ballot papers but also ensuring citizens are well-informed and engaged in the voting process, asserting, “It is important for us as election management bodies to work to ensure that every vote counts.”
The Association convenes heads of election-related bodies from approximately 45 countries to exchange best practices and experiences in electoral management. Key discussions at the 12th General Assembly included electing new leadership for the Association and developing a strategic plan focused on sustainability and enhanced visibility.
Mrs. Mensa highlighted the introduction of solidarity missions in 2023 as a major achievement for the Association. This initiative facilitated exchanges between heads of EMBs in various member countries during their general elections. Data from the Electoral Commission indicates that between 1992 and 2020, the rejection rate of votes in Ghana’s national elections ranged from one to three percent, with the 2020 general election recording a rejection rate of 2.33 percent, which improved to 2.08 percent in 2024.
The call for a reduction in the rate of rejected ballots by Mrs. Jean Mensa underscores the vital role electoral management bodies play in safeguarding democracy in Africa. As the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, she advocates for measures to enhance the electoral process, reinforcing the need for public education and innovative technologies to ensure every citizen’s vote is counted and valued. The collaborative efforts of the Association of African Election Authorities continue to address this pressing issue and foster democracy in the region.
Original Source: www.ghanabusinessnews.com
