- AFRINIC sets up 2025 election and NomCom, ignoring key bylaw rules.
- Members say this breaks trust and shows weak governance from the registry.
AFRINIC bypasses bylaw rules in setting up 2025 board election
The African Network Information Centre (AFRINIC) has restarted its 2025 board election using new rules that were not created or ratified by any elected officials. The creation of the NomCom — the group that runs the election — is also at odds with AFRINIC’s bylaws which clearly say only a full, community-elected board can do this.
This decision has raised many concerns. AFRINIC is once again being accused of bypassing its own legal process. Some say the election could be challenged or even cancelled, as it may not be legally valid. The new guidelines are on AFRINIC’s website, but they do not match the standards set by its own governance documents. Experts also say this may go against the rules expected from nonprofit internet bodies, like those under ICANN.
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Bypassing governance rules puts AFRINIC’s future at risk
This is the latest in a long line of problems for AFRINIC. The group has already faced lawsuits, internal conflicts, and a loss of trust from many members. Now, skipping key legal steps for board elections makes things worse.
If AFRINIC cannot follow its own rules, how can it be trusted to manage important IP address resources for Africa? Community members are asking why decisions are being made without proper oversight. Some are now calling for external review or reform. This also reflects a wider concern across the internet world: governance bodies drifting away from openness and fairness. AFRINIC’s actions make many wonder if community voices still matter — or if power is now in the hands of a few. Without big changes, AFRINIC could lose its role as the central registry for Africa.
