- Repeated election problems show AFRINIC’s manual process is no longer suitable for a regional internet body.
- A digital voting system would improve access, trust, and fairness in future AFRINIC elections.
Broken systems and repeated disputes
AFRINIC’s election system has faced the same issues for years. Each election brings new complaints about missing voter lists, sudden rule changes, and confusion over who is eligible. The 2025 elections again followed this pattern. Some candidates were removed without enough explanation. Members raised concerns that staff were not following the rules. The result was a process that many believed was unfair.
Since 2022, AFRINIC has not had a full board or a confirmed CEO. Without leadership, the organisation cannot function properly. Its basic duties—like supporting members or updating policies—have slowed or stopped. These problems all begin with broken elections. If members cannot trust the results, they will not accept those chosen to lead. That creates a cycle where nothing gets fixed, and the same problems keep returning.
The situation has made members lose faith. Some have stopped taking part in elections. Others have openly said the system does not work. They feel their votes are ignored or that the results are already decided. This shows how badly the system needs to change. A strong, clear voting process is the only way to bring people back and start rebuilding the organisation.
Also read: AFRINIC staff violated obligations during 2025 election
A digital system for a digital community
AFRINIC is part of Africa’s internet growth. But its voting system does not match that role. Many of its processes still depend on email, paper forms, and unclear steps. At the same time, people across the continent now use digital tools for banking, health, and learning. It makes no sense for AFRINIC to stay behind when the rest of the region is moving forward.
A digital voting system would be faster, clearer, and more secure. It could help confirm voter identity, count votes quickly, and show results in real time. A system like this would also reduce the control that staff currently have over the process. This is important, because many complaints are about how staff manage elections. A digital system would give members more trust in the results.
Voting online would also help more members join the process. AFRINIC serves countries across Africa, many of them far from big cities. Some members find it hard to vote under the current rules. A digital system would let them vote from anywhere. This would give a voice to small or remote members who often feel left out.
Other regional internet bodies have already moved to digital voting. AFRINIC should learn from them. With testing and support, a new system could be set up in stages. Even if it is not perfect at first, it would still be a big step forward from what exists now.
Also read: AFRINIC elections 2025: ICANN is ‘inappropriate’, ‘unreasonable’ and ‘irresponsible’
Transparency, trust and fair representation
Trust is missing from AFRINIC’s elections. Many members do not believe the process is fair. They worry that some groups have more power, or that decisions are made before the vote even begins. Over time, these doubts have hurt the organisation’s ability to bring people together.
A digital system would help make elections more open. When votes are counted in a clear, simple way, it is easier for everyone to accept the outcome. A system with proper records and tracking would stop most of the mistakes that happen now. Members could check that their vote was received and counted, without guessing or waiting for unclear updates.
Better voting systems would also make representation more fair. Right now, stronger or richer members may have more chances to vote or run for leadership. A digital system could level the field by removing many of the barriers small members face. Everyone would use the same tools and follow the same process.
Rebuilding trust will not happen overnight. But this change would show that AFRINIC wants to improve. It would be a signal to members that their voices matter. A clean, open vote is the best way to start healing divisions and bringing back shared purpose.
Also Read: AFRINIC election crisis triggered by one proxy: The phantom vote that spiraled out of control
Reform is overdue
AFRINIC has waited too long to fix its election process. After each failed vote, promises are made but little is done. This has led to more confusion, more arguments, and more people leaving. The longer change is delayed, the harder it becomes to recover.
A digital voting system is not the answer to every problem. But it is the right place to begin. It would remove many of the reasons why elections keep going wrong. It would also protect the process from pressure or errors caused by internal staff. By giving members a clear and fair way to vote, it would make future leadership stronger and more trusted.
Outside pressure is already growing. Groups like ICANN have warned that AFRINIC may not meet basic standards if elections continue to fail. If AFRINIC does not take action itself, others may step in to do it for them. This would damage the organisation’s independence and weaken its ability to lead Africa’s internet future.
The internet in Africa is changing quickly. AFRINIC must change with it. The community needs a voting system that works for everyone, not just a few. That system must be digital, fair, and open to all members—no matter their size, wealth, or location.
Also read: A system built to silence: AFRINIC refuses to hear from the edges of Africa
