AfriNIC elections

Hi All,

Since many individuals here represent many organizations with AfriNIC membership, the following is an appeal to members to get out and vote in the forthcoming election.

As many of you are probably aware, the world is fast running out of IPv4 space, and in fact only two regions left (LACNIC and AfriNIC) currently have resources remaining.  How AfriNIC handles the applications for IP space and the distribution of the remaining space will affect every single one of us in the months going forward.  How AfriNIC handles applications for IPv6 space and how the board chooses to set fees on such space also has a direct effect on any member of AfriNIC.

Furthermore, with the AfriNIC board engaging with other entities of issues that could have a profound effect on the general workings of the internet, it is critical that the board elected by the membership base is representative of what the community actually desires.  I refer for example to the statements made by the AfriNIC CEO at the ITU summit in the past, and include a URL to the statements made.  Agree with it or disagree with it, that is each members choice, but the reality is, it should be the members choice and that choice is exercised through an electoral vote of the board.

I also see AfriNIC engaging in debates around subjects like RPKI, which again could have positive or negative effects in the way we do business.  Once again, I leave it to the members to decide their position on these matters, but if members have a position, they need to be heard.

I have my doubts that many AfriNIC members are even aware that the AfriNIC board is an elected body, and as a member, they are entitled to vote.  These votes also extend to resolutions and special resolutions tabled at the AGM or at special AGM's.  The reality is, at the moment, South Africa represents approximately 25% of the AfriNIC membership base, yet time and time again, come elections, if we see even 5% of the active South African membership base actually making their voices heard in the elections it's a lot, and I find this kind of sad considering the amount of power AfriNIC holds to enhance or damage our business interests as we move forward.

Votes can be done electronically, and if you want more details of how this is done, you can either enquire of myself, AfriNIC, or I'm sure others like Mark Elkins can also advise.  Alternatively votes can be cast via paper proxy by someone who is at the meeting (the next AfriNIC AGM is in Djibouti at the beginning of June).

In the interests of full disclosure, I will also state that I am one of those standing for election to the board, however, I am not on here asking for your vote.  If you wish to communicate with me off list about what I stand for and hope to achieve, I'm happy for emails.  If you feel that another candidate represents your views and wishes better, then vote that way.  What I am saying is, AfriNIC and its board hold a tremendous amount of power over our businesses, without address space, things grind to a halt, and therefore I would argue that it is the responsibility of every member to make themselves heard by voting.

So please, get out there, and vote, otherwise as things move forward you could find yourself wishing you had.


Andrew Alston
Head of IP Strategy
Liquid Telecommunications Limited, 6 New Street Square, London EC4A 3BF
T: +27 76 219 7933 (ZA) T: +254 733 2222 04 (KE)
E: andrew.alston-BSRtEhqjsGzhIMfW0+CuwQC/[email protected]<mailto:andrew.alston-BSRtEhqjsGzhIMfW0+CuwQC/[email protected]>   -   Skype: symm001


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