- The nomination period for ICANN Board Seat 10 closes on 16 December 2024 at 23:59 UTC.
- This election will determine who fills the pivotal position that shapes global internet governance for the next three years.
The nomination window for Seat 10 on the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) Board of Directors is closing in a few weeks. The Address Supporting Organization Address Council (ASO AC) has set the deadline for submissions to 16 December 2024, 23:59 UTC.
What happened
On 16 September 2024, the ASO AC began accepting nominations for ICANN’s Board Seat 10. This role, critical to overseeing internet domain management and policy development, comes with a three-year term starting after ICANN’s Annual General Assembly in October 2025.
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Candidates must adhere to ICANN’s strict eligibility criteria, as defined in Article 7 of the ICANN Bylaws. These include selection guidelines and conflict-of-interest policies. Following the nomination phase, candidates will undergo a due diligence review conducted by an independent contractor to ensure transparency and fairness.
To nominate someone, community members must submit a detailed email, including both nominee and nominator contact details, to nominations@aso.icann.org before the deadline. However, geographical restrictions apply: no two directors appointed by Supporting Organisations may reside in the same region. Since Alan Barrett, the current holder of Seat 9, represents the AFRINIC region (Africa), candidates from that region cannot be considered for Seat 10.
This structured process will move through multiple phases, including community comments, interviews, and voting, culminating in the announcement of the selected candidate around mid-May 2025.
Why this is important
ICANN plays a central role in managing the global Domain Name System (DNS), the infrastructure underpinning the internet. Its decisions affect everything from website accessibility to online security standards, making the composition of its Board highly consequential.
Seat 10, in particular, is vital as it reflects the voice of the global addressing community. The nominee must navigate complex issues such as IP address allocation policies, DNS security, and equitable internet access. With technological advancements accelerating, this board member will also face challenges related to digital inclusion and regulatory shifts.
For stakeholders, this election is more than an administrative exercise—it’s an opportunity to shape the direction of the internet in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. With the deadline fast approaching, the community has a limited window to nominate and influence who gets a seat at the table.
