ICANN Expresses Concern Over AFRINIC Election Annulment, Cites Lack of Transparency
Johannesburg, South Africa – July 11, 2025 – ICANN (the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) has voiced significant concern following the abrupt annulment of the recent AFRINIC (African Network Information Centre) Board election, highlighting a lack of transparency and explanation from the regional internet registry. The Register reported on the situation yesterday, revealing that AFRINIC has yet to provide a clear reason for its decision, leaving stakeholders in the dark.
AFRINIC, responsible for the allocation and assignment of Internet number resources in Africa, announced the annulment of its 2025 Board elections without offering a detailed justification. This decision has reportedly caused considerable consternation within the global internet governance community, with ICANN, a key partner in managing the Internet’s Domain Name System, being particularly vocal about the lack of clarity.
In a statement, ICANN emphasized the importance of predictable and transparent election processes within its associated organizations. The global nature of the internet relies on the stability and trust in the entities that manage its foundational resources. The unexpected annulment of the AFRINIC election, without a comprehensive explanation of the underlying issues, undermines this crucial trust.
ICANN has indicated its intention to engage directly with AFRINIC’s leadership to seek a thorough understanding of the reasons behind the annulment. The organization stressed that clarity is paramount for all parties involved, including the candidates who participated in the election, the AFRINIC membership, and the broader internet community that relies on the effective functioning of the Regional Internet Registries (RIRs).
The absence of a clear rationale for the annulment raises questions about the internal processes and governance at AFRINIC. Elections for RIR boards are critical junctures that determine the direction and leadership of these vital organizations. Stakeholders typically anticipate that any disruptions to these established processes will be communicated with a high degree of transparency and detail, allowing for informed discussion and potential remedies.
While the exact details surrounding the annulment remain undisclosed by AFRINIC, the situation underscores the ongoing need for robust governance frameworks and open communication channels within the RIR system. The internet’s continued growth and stability depend on the collective efforts and mutual understanding of all organizations involved in its management.
ICANN’s expressed concern serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of the global internet infrastructure and the importance of maintaining consistent standards of operation and transparency across all regional bodies. Further developments are anticipated as ICANN seeks to obtain the necessary explanations from AFRINIC to address the concerns raised by this unexpected electoral outcome.
ICANN fumes as AFRINIC offers no explanation for annulled election
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