The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Ghana and President of the Association of African Election Authorities (AAEA), Jean Mensa, outlined some key proposals, including the introduction of simplified electronic voting systems, the redesign of ballot papers to make them clearer and more user-friendly, and the implementation of extensive public education in all local languages to help voters avoid common mistakes.

The Affable and Outspoken Jean Adukwei Mensa, a lawyer by profession who has been serving as chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Ghana since July 2018, made this call at the just ened two day 9th Annual Continental Forum in Accra, with a strong commitment to reducing the high rate of rejected and invalid ballots across Africa. A key highlight of the discussions was the need for electoral reforms that make voting simpler and more accessible.

She stressed the importance of educating citizens, especially first-time voters and those in rural communities, on proper voting procedures to prevent ballot rejection.

The forum also underscored the importance of context-specific reforms, recognizing that different electoral systems require tailored approaches. Mrs Mensa clarified that the proposals discussed are not being imposed on any member state but are meant to serve as a guide for countries seeking to improve their electoral processes.

The forum, held under the theme “All Votes Count: Addressing the Problem of Invalid or Rejected Ballots in Africa,” provided a platform for election management bodies to share experiences and best practices. Participants agreed that addressing these issues is crucial for strengthening democracy and ensuring that election outcomes genuinely reflect the will of the people. As the forum concluded today, election authorities pledged to work towards implementing the recommended reforms ahead of upcoming elections across the continent.