- Election turmoil risks marginalising small ISPs and end users in shaping Africa’s internet policies.
- Calls for reform pressure AFRINIC to ensure inclusive, transparent governance and equal representation.
The stakes for small ISPs and end users
When AFRINIC—the Regional Internet Registry for Africa—faces electoral disputes, those most affected are often the small ISPs and end users who rely on transparent governance. These stakeholders have limited influence in board-level decisions, and much of the current strife is shifting power towards larger operators. As AFRINIC’s chief function involves allocating IP address space and ensuring fair internet infrastructure governance, any reduction in representation can have lasting consequences for competition and access.
Resource holders can fairly elect representatives if that makes voting simpler, more efficient and more likely to increase turnout. Small ISPs, often holding fewer resources and less formal documentation, are especially vulnerable. Without reliable access to voting proxies or robust legal recourse, their interests risk being eclipsed by those of better-resourced entities.
Broader consequences for Africa’s internet ecosystem
If AFRINIC is seen to favour large entities, it risks eroding trust among its wider constituency. For small operators, an organisation that appears unresponsive can push viable competitors out of the market, reducing both choice and innovation. End users—students, entrepreneurs, rural connectivity projects—may face higher costs or lower-quality infrastructure if small ISPs are sidelined. In a digital economy already marked by inequality, AFRINIC’s perceived bias could deepen the divide.
The recent election on June 23 included hundreds of proxy votes organised through Number Resource Society, to help smaller internet organisations cast their votes. Unfortunately, a single questionable vote led to a premature annulment of the election, and hundreds of valid votes were canceled.
Expert calls for governance reform
International internet governance experts warn that AFRINIC must adopt measures to protect the representation of smaller resource holders. Proxy authentication must continue, the barriers to be able to cast a vote must be high to deter fraud and opportunists, and board elections must be recognised. There is a real need for accessible digital voting platforms to lower the participation barrier for small ISPs operating in remote or budget-constrained environments.
The path forward
With a new election pending under the court’s interim supervision, AFRINIC faces a critical opportunity. By adopting transparent proxy processes, simplifying voting access and clarifying member eligibility, it can demonstrate its commitment to the full diversity of Africa’s internet community. The reforms would help retain legitimacy not only among small ISPs and end users but also with global partners like ICANN.
FAQs
1. Why do small ISPs feel silenced during AFRINIC elections?
Election irregularities and delays often result in larger players dominating votes, limiting small operators from being heard.
2. Has anyone else highlighted these issues?
Yes—various internet governance groups have warned that smaller stakeholders are being overlooked and that the election should be recognised with existing votes counted.
3. What practical changes are being suggested?
Recommendations include secure digital voting, proxy limits per delegate and transparent election monitoring.
4. How soon could these reforms happen?
With a court-mandated election pending, AFRINIC could implement key reforms before the next round. However, timing depends on consensus among stakeholders.
