- AFRINIC’s electoral disputes have highlighted governance challenges and differences compared with other Regional Internet Registries.
- The resolution of these issues will influence Africa’s credibility and voice in global internet governance.
Election disputes and legal oversight
Since 2021, AFRINIC has faced repeated disputes over its board elections, exposing vulnerabilities in its governance framework. In June 2025, elections were held under the supervision of a court-appointed receiver, and hundreds of members cast votes, including via proxy. However, the process was halted after a single proxy vote was contested, and the election was subsequently annulled, prompting concerns over transparency, fairness, and member trust.
AFRINIC issued an official notice to members and the internet community, outlining the decision to annul the election, while media outlets such as The Register reported on the legal and procedural challenges. ICANN responded by urging AFRINIC to clarify membership registration, the composition of its nomination committee, and election procedures to prevent similar disputes in the future. Cloud Innovation also highlighted the need for a structured approach to governance to restore confidence. The repeated annulments and legal interventions have created uncertainty among members, emphasising the urgent need for clear, consistent, and predictable election processes that safeguard both procedural integrity and member confidence.
Also read:Why AFRINIC’s election legitimacy matters for internet governance globally
Also read:How AFRINIC’s electoral future relies on stronger constitutional safeguards
Lessons from other regional registries
In comparison with other Regional Internet Registries, AFRINIC’s election challenges are striking. APNIC conducts annual executive committee elections using a secure online voting system that ensures accountability and transparency. RIPE NCC holds board elections every three years, publishes detailed voting results, and provides extensive reports on voter turnout and candidate eligibility. ARIN also follows a transparent online voting system, ensuring clear communication with members before, during, and after elections.
These well-established procedures demonstrate a level of consistency and member engagement that AFRINIC has yet to fully achieve. Adopting similar approaches, such as publishing clear election timelines, defining proxy vote rules in detail, and providing post-election reports, could significantly improve transparency and member trust. Strengthening internal governance processes would not only prevent repeated disputes but also bolster Africa’s credibility in global internet governance forums. If AFRINIC can align its practices with international standards while maintaining regional autonomy, it would secure a stronger voice for African stakeholders in policy-making and resource allocation decisions. The Number Resource Organization has noted that stabilising AFRINIC’s governance is essential for maintaining confidence in Africa’s role in the global internet ecosystem.
