by TINTSWALO BALOYI
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – ONLINE voting for the African Network Information Centre (AFRINIC) new board has opened.
Voting for the all-important board of Africa’s regional internet registry (RIR) is scheduled to run from to September. There will be no in-person voting.
AFRINIC has been without a functioning board for three years.
An attempt to hold an election earlier this year was annulled after numerous resource members raised allegations of voting fraud.
The Internet Providers Association of South Africa (ISPA) reminded AFRINIC members to vote.
“It is crucial for competent persons to take control of AFRINIC and steer it to a new, drama-free future centred on technical proficiency and wise decision-making, always with the African internet community and end users top of mind,” said Sasha Booth-Beharilal, ISPA chairperson.
While ISPA has traditionally refrained historically from making specific AFRINIC voting recommendations, it said the “unusual” nature of the recent elections meant it was forced to recommend voting for a capable set of candidates for the good of the African internet.
After consultation with other stakeholders, colleagues and industry associations, ISPA’s board encourages all AFRINIC resource members to vote for a list of candidates.
It comprises Abdelaziz Hilali (North Africa), Emmanuel Adewale Adedokun (West Africa), Kaleem Usmani (Indian Ocean), Kaleem Usmani (Central Africa), Carla Sanderson (Southern Africa), Fiona Asonga (East Africa) and Benjamin Mark Roberts as well as Ajao Adewole David as independent candidates.
ISPA believes voting for this particular slate of candidates will assure the highest chance of success in the AFRINIC elections.
“ISPA remains committed to supporting its members in maintaining the security and integrity of their network resources.”
– CAJ News