- Cancelling an entire election over one doubtful proxy risks disenfranchising hundreds of legitimate voters.
- Transparency in proxy validation and election procedures is essential to maintaining trust in Afrinic’s governance.
Proxy votes are valid — why cancel an entire election?
The African Network Information Centre (AFRINIC) oversees the allocation of internet number resources across Africa and surrounding regions. Its governance, particularly board elections, is essential for ensuring fair management of these critical resources.
In its 2025 board elections held in Mauritius, hundreds of proxy votes were cast legitimately — members entrusted representatives to vote on their behalf, a common and necessary practice in Afrinic’s geographically diverse membership.
Yet, just minutes before voting closed, the Nomination Committee abruptly stopped the election due to concerns about the legitimacy of a single proxy vote. Instead of investigating this single case separately, the entire election was suspended, effectively invalidating hundreds of legitimate votes.
This decision raises a fundamental question: is it fair or proportionate to cancel an entire election because of doubts about one vote? Many argue it is not.
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The essential role of transparency in election processes
Transparency is the foundation of good governance — especially for an organisation like Afrinic, which manages vital internet resources affecting millions across the continent. When processes lack openness, member trust quickly erodes.
Key questions remain unanswered: How are proxy votes verified? What procedures exist to address disputed votes without derailing the whole election? Why was an entire election halted instead of isolating the suspicious vote for review?
Clear, public communication about these procedures is crucial. Without transparency, the risk grows that members will feel excluded or suspect unfair practices — even if most votes are legitimate.
Rather than disenfranchising the majority, Afrinic should have adopted a more measured approach — investigating the one doubtful proxy while allowing the election to continue. This would have protected the democratic rights of hundreds and maintained confidence in the organisation’s leadership.
Broader implications for Africa’s digital future
Afrinic’s election controversy is not just an internal matter — it touches on the broader challenges of digital governance in Africa. As internet use and digital economies grow rapidly, Africa needs institutions with transparent, accountable governance to support sustainable development.
Elections that lack clarity or appear heavy-handed risk alienating members and diminishing Afrinic’s credibility both within the continent and in global internet governance bodies such as ICANN.
Improving transparency and refining election processes will help Afrinic remain a trusted steward of Africa’s internet infrastructure. It will also encourage broader member participation by making governance more inclusive and comprehensible.
Moving forward: Transparency as a priority
Afrinic’s role is crucial in Africa’s digital transformation, and maintaining member trust must be a top priority. This incident should be a catalyst for Afrinic to review and strengthen its election governance framework, focusing on transparency, fairness, and clear communication.
By adopting clear proxy validation rules, transparent dispute resolution mechanisms, and timely public explanations, Afrinic can restore confidence and demonstrate accountability.
Ultimately, transparency is not just about avoiding controversy — it is the key to building a resilient institution that can effectively support Africa’s expanding digital landscape.