Jean Mensa proposes “simplified” e-voting system to reduce rejected ballots

Jean Mensa, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), has proposed the adoption of a “simplified” e-voting system as a solution to the persistent issue of invalid or rejected ballots in African elections.

She explained that using a direct recording device where voters select their preferred candidate or party logo on a screen would eliminate the traditional thumb-printing method, which often leads to errors.

Her proposal follows concerns over the excessive waste of ballot papers in Ghana’s general elections.

According to an audit by the Electoral Commission, between 1992 and 2020, one to three per cent of votes in Ghana’s national elections were rejected. In the 2020 General Election, 2.33 % of ballots were invalid, a figure that dropped slightly to 2.08 % in the 2024 polls.

An in-depth analysis by the EC identified high voter illiteracy, voter dissatisfaction with candidates, and excessive caution by electoral officers as key factors contributing to rejected ballots.

Speaking at the Ninth Annual Continental Forum for Electoral Management Bodies in Accra on Wednesday, March 12, Jean Mensa expressed concern over the increasing rate of rejected ballots, warning that such trends could influence election outcomes. She urged electoral management bodies to analyse the complex factors leading to invalid votes and develop effective solutions.

“In the ever-evolving era of technology, it is about time that we as a continent begin to consider more effective and efficient mechanisms for voters to cast their ballots,” she stated.

The two-day Forum, hosted by Ghana’s Electoral Commission in collaboration with the African Union and the Association of African Election Authorities, has brought together over 40 representatives from electoral management bodies across Africa. Themed “All votes count: addressing the problem of invalid or rejected ballots in Africa.” the event aims to enhance the integrity of electoral processes and strengthen public trust in voting systems.

Jean Mensa also disclosed that discussions on adopting e-voting technology in Ghana have already begun. However, she assured stakeholders that the transition “will not be rushed.”

She further noted that the Forum would explore global best practices and innovative electoral systems to minimize rejected ballots. Additionally, she emphasized the need for public sensitization and comprehensive training for electoral officers to improve voting accuracy.

Former Chief Justice and Member of the Council of State, Madam Sophia Akuffo, echoed these concerns, stating that the rising number of rejected ballots poses a threat to Africa’s democracy.

“The democratic process of elections on our continent is at risk of being undermined by the increasing number of invalid or rejected ballots,” she cautioned.

She urged governments, electoral bodies, and stakeholders to renew efforts to safeguard public confidence in the electoral process.

Similarly, Mr. Fabio Bargiacchi, Founder and Executive Director of the European Centre for Electoral Support, emphasized the importance of collaboration among African election management bodies. He called for greater knowledge-sharing and experience exchange to strengthen democratic institutions and public trust in electoral systems.