Jean Mensa Pushes for E-Voting in Africa
Jean Mensa, the Chairperson of Ghana’s Electoral Commission (EC), has proposed the adoption of a simplified e-voting system to tackle the persistent issue of invalid or rejected ballots in African elections. She believes this digital solution will enhance electoral transparency and efficiency.
Speaking at the Ninth Annual Continental Forum for Electoral Management Bodies in Accra on March 12, 2025, Mensa argued that electronic voting using direct recording devices (DREs) would reduce errors linked to traditional thumbprinting methods.
Why E-Voting?
According to the EC’s audit, between 1992 and 2020, Ghana recorded a 1% to 3% rejection rate of total votes. In the 2020 general elections, 2.33% of votes were rejected, slightly decreasing to 2.08% in 2024. These figures highlight the urgent need for electoral reforms.
Factors Behind Rejected Ballots
Jean Mensa outlined the key causes of invalid votes:
- Voter illiteracy – Many voters struggle with ballot paper instructions.
- Voter dissatisfaction – Some deliberately spoil their ballots as a protest.
- Over-cautious electoral officers – Unnecessary ballot rejections due to strict assessments.
A Continental Approach to Election Reforms
The two-day forum, hosted by Ghana’s EC in collaboration with the African Union and the Association of African Election Authorities (AAEA), brought together over 40 electoral representatives from across Africa. Themed “All Votes Count: Addressing the Problem of Invalid or Rejected Ballots in Africa”, the event focused on ways to enhance the credibility of elections.
Key Discussions at the Forum
- The need for public education on proper voting practices.
- Training electoral officers to minimize ballot rejection.
- Adoption of global best practices in election management.
Former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo warned that rejected ballots pose a serious threat to democracy, urging governments and electoral bodies to strengthen public confidence in elections.
Fabio Bargiacchi, Founder and Executive Director of the European Centre for Electoral Support, emphasized collaboration among African electoral bodies. He called for knowledge-sharing and the adoption of innovative electoral technologies.
What’s Next for Ghana’s Electoral System?
Jean Mensa confirmed that e-voting discussions in Ghana have already begun, but assured that any transition would be gradual and inclusive.
“In this digital era, African nations must explore more efficient voting mechanisms. However, the transition must be carefully planned,” she noted.
Conclusion: The Future of Elections in Africa
The call for e-voting in Ghana and across Africa signals a potential shift towards a modernized, transparent, and efficient electoral system. As discussions unfold, the question remains: Is Africa ready to embrace digital voting?
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Related Reads:
- How E-Voting Works: A Global Perspective
- Challenges and Benefits of Digital Elections
- Ghana’s Electoral Reforms: What to Expect