Fwd: [2025 AFRINIC Board elections #967658] afrinic election process - a question for volunteer organisations?

[Nishal Goburdhan]

hi everyone,

as you are all likely aware, there are afrinic board elections coming up that are quite .. novel (!)

there is a non-zero number of IXPs in our region that are run by volunteers, and/or do not have legal, or formally constituted boards.  when i read the afrinic t&c’s for voting, they were confusing to me, because it seemed that such volunteer organisations, would be excluded from the voting process, because there may not be legally appointed directors (the MIXP in mauritius, was the example i was referencing).  so, i wrote to afrinic asking for guidance ..

please read their unedited response below.  i have left the ticket line for my original query in the subject line, so that, if you want to take this up with afrinic, you have a point of reference.

i can’t stress how important it is that you spend the time to get notarised, and that, you cast a vote in the upcoming election.  yes, it’s irritating, and time-consuming, and will cost you some money unfortunately, but it’s important that you realise that what you see as a barrier to entry to voting, is likely exactly what the miscreants that are seeking to control afrinic are counting on to keep you out.  they are banking on your frustration, your inconvenience, and your assumption that your voice won’t matter.  but, it *does* matter.  every legitimate vote helps safeguard the integrity of the community and pushes back against those trying to exploit apathy and disengagement for personal or political gain.  and every IXP in our region, is a legitimate resource holder, that is automatically, in good standing!

this isn’t just about bureaucracy — it’s about protecting the future of Internet governance in africa.  so please, push through the hassle.  get notarised.  cast your vote.  be counted.



Forwarded message:

> From: Yogesh CHADEE via RT <elections2025 at afrinic.net>
> To: nishal at mixp.org
> Subject: [2025 AFRINIC Board elections #967658] afrinic election process - a question for volunteer organisations?
> Date: Fri, 23 May 2025 15:53:09 +0400
>
> Dear Mr. Goburdhan,
>
> We thank you for for query.
>
> Please refer to paragraph 8.7 of the Election Guidelines (https://afrinic.net/ast/2025/Election_Guidelines_and_Mechanism_BE2025.pdf).
>
> Provided that the IXPs have someone with authority who can make decisions on
> their behalf then they would be eligible to designate a e-voting
> representative, authorise an authorised in-person representative or appoint a
> proxy. That person could be a treasurer or a secretary or someone in a similar
> position of authority within the volunteer organisation.
>
> In keeping with the Election Guidelines and FAQs, a duly signed letter from the
> person with authority and a notarial certificate (or its equivalent) will still
> be required.
>
> Sincerely,
> Yogesh Chadee
> On behalf of the Election Committee