- AFRINIC stakeholders warn that removing proxy voting excludes smaller operators.
- Concerns rise that banning proxies will undermine representation and data privacy.
When Smart Africa revealed the email details of thousands of AFRINIC members, it set off a series of questions, many of which it has not yet answered.
How did it get the emails of every AFRINIC member?
Where was the due diligence for email campaigns that could have avoided the privacy breach?
What will it do now to answer these questions and avoid similar events in the future?
BTW Media interviewed hundreds of AFRINIC members to get their views. Our first reports show that Smart Africa did not get the consent of the majority of those members to include them in its email campaigns.
Today, we report on the views of the community, regarding the removal of proxy voting in the AFRINIC board election.
Proxy voting as a practical tool
We interviewed members whether removing proxy votes and requiring in-person participation is a good idea, and if they are satisfied voting in person or would prefer to retain the option of proxy voting. Some members said they support the removal of proxy voting, noting they have the time and resources to attend in person. Others, however, expressed a different stance and described the development as difficult and troubling for them.
AFRINIC’s ongoing governance reform has ignited strong reactions, and several members insist that proxy voting must not be removed. For them, proxy arrangements remain a practical and effective solution for participation in the registry’s decision-making.
One member stated directly that “proxy voting presents a practical and effective solution for ensuring representation when direct participation isn’t possible.” This perspective points to a recognition that AFRINIC covers a vast and diverse region, where members cannot always travel or log in securely at the same time.
By allowing proxies, smaller internet service providers and operators can maintain a voice in decisions that shape the region’s internet future.
Also Read: Smart Africa leaks thousands of AFRINIC member email addresses
Exclusionary risks without proxies
Other members went further, warning that removing proxies risks tilting power in favour of large operators. As one respondent explained: “No, given the region and disparity of small and large ISP/MNO/FNO etc will skew votes and policy direction in larger operators’ direction. For me this is an exclusionary approach.” The argument rests on the imbalance between multinational operators, who have resources to participate directly, and small regional firms, who often face constraints of distance, cost, and limited connectivity.
This respondent added that if proxies are removed but secure online voting is enabled, the outcome might be positive. Yet the warning was clear: cutting proxies without strong alternatives will close the door on equitable participation.
Also Read: Special report: Smart Africa leaked email list was obtained without consent
Representation when travel is impossible
Some members stressed that requiring only in-person voting is unrealistic. For smaller organisations, travelling across Africa or overseas to attend AFRINIC meetings is a financial burden that is simply out of reach. In this light, proxy voting becomes a mechanism that bridges the gap between local constraints and global governance.
African networks must vote for their own destiny, and while electronic direct voting is important, the reality is that in-person voting “is just unpractical.” Proxy systems, are necessary until AFRINIC can guarantee robust, secure online voting for every member.
Proxy voting as protection of choice and privacy
Supporters also link proxy rights to the protection of both choice and privacy. proxy vote provides power, it gives people a choice. Without it, some voters are left with no option at all.
Concerns were raised about proposals to introduce biometric systems for identity verification. voter biometrics are not trustworthy, pointing to the recent case where Smart Africa mishandled sensitive member contact lists. If basic mailing lists can be leaked, how can highly personal biometric data be trusted?
For these members, the danger is clear. If proxy rights are removed, voters must either abstain entirely or accept the risk of exposing private data through insecure systems. In their view, proxies serve as a safeguard until AFRINIC proves it can deliver truly secure online voting.
This highlights broader mistrust in external influence and shows how proxy voting is tied to wider concerns about who controls Africa’s internet future. For these members, removing proxy rights may align with foreign interests rather than local empowerment.
A call for balanced reform
Proxy supporters share a consistent concern: reforms that erase proxy rights without ensuring inclusive alternatives risk consolidating power in fewer hands. Members who cannot attend in person, whether for financial, geographical, or technical reasons, will simply be sidelined.
The call is not for status quo but for reform that recognises Africa’s diversity. Proxies, they argue, remain an essential bridge until secure online identity systems and inclusive participation structures are in place.
