AFRINIC Election Process
The African Network Information Centre (AFRINIC) is a key player in Internet governance across the continent. Its election process embodies the principles of inclusivity and representation. It determines who is appointed to key positions in the organisation, such as directors and members of the governance committee and Number Resource Organisation Number Council (NRO NC). These individuals are critical in shaping AFRINIC’s strategies, policies and resources allocation decisions.
afrinic election are conducted annually, in the form of either on-site meetings at the Annual General Meeting or online voting. A few weeks before the meeting, a ballot is posted on the AFRINIC website and all eligible voters are invited to cast their votes. During these elections, there are also opportunities for candidates to introduce themselves to the community and answer questions from the floor.
Each election has its own unique set of rules, but the basic eligibility criteria is similar. In order to vote, a member must be an AFRINIC Resource Member in good standing. This means that they must have completed all necessary formalities, whose membership remains current, and has paid all membership fees, as well as resource allocation or assignment fees.
How Transparency is Maintained in the AFRINIC Election Process
In addition, they must have been a registered contact on the MyAFRINIC portal for at least six months immediately prior to the election. This is the only way to verify membership status and a voter’s right to vote. Whether they are eligible to appoint a proxy also differs from election to election. For example, they can appoint a proxy for the Board and the NRO NC elections, but not for the PDP Co-Chairs or the ASO AC elections.
The AFRINIC Elections Committee ensures that the voting process is transparent and accountable by following strict protocols and guidelines. It publishes a code of conduct for all the stakeholders involved in the process, and provides regular updates on its activities on social media. The AFRINIC board and management team also provide feedback on the election process.
An important aspect of the AFRINIC election process is that it involves an audit and verification of all ballots. This is done using a web-based open audit system called Helios. The software verifies each ballot, and then creates a permalink that can be shared with the public. The verification system also makes it possible to check if a vote has been changed or deleted, and the results of each audit are recorded in an online ballot tracking centre.
Aside from these technical aspects, the AFRINIC election process is also guided by the AFRINIC bylaws. In particular, the NomCom is required to “use its best efforts towards ensuring that a satisfactory number of individuals from the African Internet community stand as candidates”.
The AFRINIC election process is an integral part of the Internet in Africa and helps to amplify Africa’s voice in global discussions about internet policy. To preserve its integrity, it is essential that the AFRINIC community participates in this process to ensure that it continues to be inclusive and representative.
