The 9th Annual Forum of Election Management Bodies, organized by the AUC, AAEA, and ECES, discussed strategies to combat the rising rate of invalid ballots in African elections. Key findings included alarming statistics from recent elections and the establishment of committees to promote best practices. Recommendations for the development of national action plans were made, with an outcome document to be released soon.
The Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (DPAPS) of the African Union Commission (AUC), alongside the Association of African Electoral Authorities (AAEA) and with the support of the European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES), convened the 9th Annual Forum of Election Management Bodies (EMBs) in Accra, Ghana, from March 12 to 13, 2025. This gathering aimed to address the prevalence of invalid or rejected ballots in African elections, which surpass the global average.
Entitled “All Votes Count: Addressing the Problem of Invalid or Rejected Ballots in Africa,” the forum focused on raising awareness of this critical issue. Notable figures, including Justice Sophia Akuffo, the Immediate Past Chief Justice of Ghana, attended the opening ceremony, emphasizing the urgent need for solutions due to alarming statistics. For example, Liberia’s 2023 elections recorded a staggering 5.89% of invalid votes.
Participation included representatives from the African Union’s DPAPS, various electoral authorities across member states, international organizations, civil society groups, and academic experts on electoral processes. Forum discussions examined several critical topics, including the nature of invalid and rejected ballots, the influence of electoral systems on ballot validity, and strategies for minimizing invalid votes.
Key outcomes from the forum highlighted the formation of a committee aimed at sharing best practices and experiences among nations. Recommendations included the development of national action plans specific to each country to improve electoral processes. The ongoing efforts will culminate in an outcome document with comprehensive recommendations. The AAEA will also hold a General Assembly on March 14, 2025, to build on these discussions.
In conclusion, the 9th Annual Forum of Election Management Bodies highlighted pressing concerns surrounding invalid and rejected ballots in African elections. With a focus on collaborative solutions, the event encouraged the development of strategies to enhance electoral integrity. Through the establishment of action plans and sharing best practices, the forum aims to reduce the incidence of invalid ballots, thereby promoting participatory democracy across the continent.
Original Source: www.peaceau.org
