- AFRINIC divides board seats by sub-region (Seats 1-6 regional, Seats 7-8 region-independent) to ensure regional representation.
- NomCom is formed with one representative from each sub-region to help neutralize regional bias in candidate selection.
What is regional representation in AFRINIC elections
AFRINIC’s 2025 election process assigns Seats 1-6 to specific African sub-regions: North Africa, West Africa, Indian Ocean, Central Africa, Southern Africa, Eastern Africa. Only natural persons residing in those sub-regions may be nominated for those seats. Seats 7 and 8 are region-independent, meaning candidates from any sub-region may stand.
This system is meant to guarantee geographical diversity on the board. The idea is that different parts of Africa are represented, so issues particular to, say, the Indian Ocean or Central Africa won’t be ignored. It also aims to prevent dominance by more populous or more active regions.
Role and structure of the Nomination Committee (NomCom)
To support regional representation, the NomCom is formed with one representative from each sub-region. This is intended to ensure neutrality and that each region has a voice in selecting who can become a candidate.
NomCom’s duties include calling for candidates, vetting eligibility, possibly interviewing nominees, and finalizing the candidate slate. These responsibilities are designed to enforce fairness and regional balance. However, there are criticisms that some changes, such as who qualifies to serve on NomCom, may conflict with AFRINIC bylaws when multiple regional seats are up for election simultaneously.
Also read: AFRINIC election results face legitimacy challenge over governance breaches
Also read: AFRINIC election: Voter fraud uncovered as ECom member threatens to resign
Limits, changes, and controversies
One major point of controversy is that in 2025 all six regional seats are up for election simultaneously. According to AFRINIC’s bylaws, the NomCom cannot include someone from a region that currently has a seat being contested—inasmuch as that could bias the process. But with all regional seats open, forming a fully bylaw-compliant NomCom becomes practically impossible.
Also, changes such as banning proxies and powers of attorney, and switching to online-only voting, have been introduced. Critics argue those changes affect regional representation—since remote or less digitally connected members (often from certain sub-regions) may be disadvantaged. These changes are seen by some as violating AFRINIC’s own constitution and Mauritian law.
Implications for governance and what’s next
These regional representation rules are central to perceptions of legitimacy. If members feel the rules are breached—via improper NomCom formation or voting system changes—they may reject election outcomes, undermining AFRINIC’s credibility.
Cloud Innovation and other stakeholders insist that until the governance rules are applied as per bylaws, election results—especially the September 2025 election—should not be recognised. They view regional representation not as a technicality but as a linchpin of fair, bottom-up internet governance in Africa.
