Jean Mensa, Chairperson of Ghana’s Electoral Commission, emphasized the need to reduce rejected ballots to strengthen democracy in Africa. During the 12th General Assembly of the Association of African Election Authorities, she highlighted strategies such as e-voting and public education to ensure every vote counts. The meeting also focused on new leadership and strategic initiatives for sustainable electoral management.
Mrs. Jean Mensa, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Ghana, has urged electoral management bodies across Africa to strive for a zero-rejected ballots target to enhance democracy on the continent. She described the high rate of rejected ballots as “a blot on our democracy” and emphasized the necessity for these bodies to ensure that every vote counts during national elections.
In her remarks following the 12th General Assembly of the Association of African Election Authorities in Accra, Mrs. Mensa highlighted the alarming prevalence of rejected ballots in national elections, which could severely undermine electoral credibility. She called upon electoral management bodies to implement effective solutions such as e-voting technologies, redesigning ballot papers, and conducting public education initiatives regarding voting procedures.
“It is important for us as election management bodies to work to ensure that every vote counts. It is not enough to simply provide ballot papers to citizens at the polls; public education is crucial to ensure that every vote matters,” stated Mrs. Mensa. The Association aims to share best practices among election-related bodies from 45 countries in Africa, fostering a collective approach toward electoral challenges.
The recent assembly included the election of new leaders for the Association and discussions on a new strategic plan designed for long-term sustainability and increased visibility in its activities. Among the notable achievements cited by Mrs. Mensa was the inception of solidarity missions in 2023, which involve collaboration and support among member states during their general elections.
Historical data from the Electoral Commission indicates that between 1992 and 2020, the rate of rejected votes in Ghana fluctuated between one to three percent. For instance, 2.33 percent of ballots were dismissed during the 2020 General Election, with a slight decrease to 2.08 percent in the subsequent 2024 election.
In conclusion, Mrs. Jean Mensa’s call for African electoral management bodies to minimize rejected ballots highlights a significant challenge facing democracy on the continent. By implementing innovative solutions and enhancing public awareness, there is potential to improve the electoral process and ensure that every vote counts effectively. The recent assembly signifies a collective commitment to overcoming these electoral hurdles and promoting democratic integrity.
Original Source: www.ghanabusinessnews.com
