- AFRINIC’s flawed election processes reveal deep weaknesses in Mauritius’ legal enforcement for declared companies.
- Cloud Innovation warns that without judicial oversight, election disputes threaten Africa’s internet governance and digital future.
Elections mired in legal uncertainty
The African Network Information Centre (AFRINIC) continues to struggle with governance failures, with its elections repeatedly annulled over unverified proxy disputes. Yet the registry persists in holding votes under rules already deemed unworkable by the Mauritian Supreme Court.
Mauritius’ Constitution grants declared companies like AFRINIC judicial oversight, but political interference, vague statutes, and inconsistent enforcement have left the legal framework ineffective. This gap has allowed AFRINIC to discard valid votes, ignore court guidance, and erode member trust, creating a cycle of disputed elections with no clear resolution. Members, especially smaller ISPs and enterprise stakeholders, are left uncertain whether their participation has any real impact.
Also read: AFRINIC elections and Mauritius constitution: Law vs governance
Also read: Why AFRINIC needs certainty beyond Mauritius’ constitution
A registry trapped by weak enforcement
Cloud Innovation, AFRINIC’s third-largest member, argues that Africa cannot afford a registry operating under such legal ambiguity. Without strong enforcement mechanisms, elections can be manipulated, transparency remains optional, and the principles of bottom-up governance are undermined. The consequences are not just administrative; they threaten Africa’s connectivity, digital infrastructure planning, and the ability to participate meaningfully in the global internet governance system. Other RIRs maintain rigorous compliance with bylaws and court decisions—standards AFRINIC has yet to meet, leaving a gap that could invite external intervention.
The urgent call for reform
For Cloud Innovation, the solution is clear: either Mauritius strengthens legal enforcement for AFRINIC’s declared status, or a full reset is required, including appointing a successor registry through ICANN and the NRO. Without decisive action, AFRINIC risks further disputed elections, damaged credibility, and a weakened voice for Africa in the global internet ecosystem. The wider internet community is watching, and the lessons from AFRINIC could set a precedent for other regional registries facing governance challenges.
