African Union Forum Addresses Challenges of Invalid Ballots in Elections

The African Union, partnering with electoral authorities and support organizations, hosted the 9th Annual Forum for Election Management Bodies in Ghana, focusing on the rising rates of invalid and rejected ballots in African elections. Esteemed speakers emphasized the significance of the issue, citing alarming statistics from recent elections. The forum concluded with critical recommendations for EMBs aimed at improving electoral integrity and reducing invalid votes.

The African Union’s Department of Political Affairs, Peace, and Security (DPAPS), in partnership with the Association of African Electoral Authorities (AAEA) and the European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES), convened the 9th Annual Continental Forum of Election Management Bodies (EMBs) in Accra, Ghana, from March 12 to 13, 2025. This year’s theme, “All Votes Count: Addressing the Problem of Invalid or Rejected Ballots in Africa,” targets the increasing rates of invalid ballots, which surpass the global average.

Justice Sophia Akuffo, former Chief Justice of Ghana, inaugurated the forum. Notable speakers included Mrs. Jean Mensa from the Ghana Electoral Commission, Mr. Fabio Bargiacchi from ECES, and Ms. Patience Chiradza from the AU Commission, all emphasizing the urgent nature of the discussed challenges. Statistical evidence highlights that invalid votes in various elections, such as Liberia’s 2023 election with 5.89% and Ghana’s 2024 at 2.08%, pose significant concerns.

Participants encompassed a wide array of stakeholders, including EMBs from AU Member States, Civil Society Organizations, and representatives from international organizations. Key topics discussed involved understanding the definitions and causes of invalid ballots, the relationships of electoral systems to ballot issues, and the importance of formulating strategic approaches to reduce invalid votes in African elections.

The forum yielded several vital recommendations aimed at enhancing electoral processes, potentially involving the establishment of a committee focused on best practices and the development of national action plans to secure sustainable improvements in election management. An outcome document summarizing these recommendations will be released shortly.

Following the forum, the AAEA will hold a General Assembly on March 14, 2025, furthering discussions on electoral integrity. The Pro Electoral Integrity project, funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, supported this critical gathering.

The 9th Annual Continental Forum of Election Management Bodies addressed significant issues related to invalid and rejected ballots in African elections, highlighting alarming statistics that exceed global averages. With recommendations for embassies and stakeholders, the forum aims to implement strategies for sustainable progress and improved election integrity across the continent. The subsequent General Assembly will build on these discussions to further enhance electoral practices.

Original Source: www.peaceau.org