LACNIC Staff's Interpretation of the Proposal
Author: Jordi Palet Martínez
Applicability:
This proposal would apply to the elections to appoint a PDP chair.
Modifications to the current text:
This proposal would modify sections “3.2.2. About the PDP Chairs” and “3.2.3. Election of the PDP Chairs” of the PDP.
Proposal Text:
3.2.2. About the PDP Chairs
3.2.2.1. Members of the LACNIC staff may not be elected to serve as PDP chair.
3.2.2.2. The position is not compatible with other roles that are directly involved in the flow of the policy development process (e.g., the Electoral Commission or the Board of Directors). If this situation were to occur, the candidate's nomination must specify how they will solve this situation should they be elected, in which case they will automatically cease in (or not take possession of, as the case may be) the incompatible positions, as specified in their nomination.
3.2.2.3. Their work is voluntary and unpaid.
3.2.2.4. To run for the position, a candidate must be the membership contact of a LACNIC member organization or nominated by the membership contact of a LACNIC member organization.
3.2.2.5. PDP chairs will each serve a two-year term, with one position alternately up for renewal each year. Unlimited reelection is allowed.
3.2.2.6. Candidates must have been part of the Public Policy List for at least six months prior the start of the election process.
3.2.2.7. In addition to their biographical information, candidate nominations must include specific information that will allow assessing their contribution, participation and experience in the PDP.
3.2.3. Election of the PDP Chairs
3.2.3.1. Calls for nominations will be announced through the public Policy List.
3.2.3.2. Voting will be conducted electronically, using mechanisms to ensure, to the extent possible, that each voter can cast only one vote.
3.2.3.3. The voters’ registry will be comprised of those persons who subscribed to the public Policy List at least six months prior to the start of the election process.
3.2.3.4. With the exception of announcements by LACNIC, using the list for campaigning is forbidden. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in the disqualification of the candidates.
3.2.3.5. If at any time during the process it is determined that there are sufficient indications of fraud, the candidate or candidates in question may be disqualified, and the election process may even be invalidated and a new one requested.
3.2.3.6. Elected chairs will begin their term immediately after the closing of the following Public Policy Forum.
3.2.3.7. If it is not possible to ratify any of the candidates, the LACNIC Board will appoint a chair to fill the vacant position until the following Public Policy Forum. The person thus appointed will only fill the position until the next time an election can be held and a winner is ratified. This same mechanism will apply, if necessary, in case either of the chairs resigns before the end of their term or for any reason fails to meet their responsibilities.
3.2.3.8. The LACNIC Board is the highest instance of appeal in matters relating to the election process.
3.2.3.9. The Board of Directors may delegate its functions related to the election process to an Electoral Commission or its equivalent.
LACNIC Staff Comments:
1) Regarding section 3.2.2.2. LACNIC interprets that the positions directly involved with the PDP chairs are the members of the Board of Directors, the members of the ASO AC, and the members of the Electoral Commission (or whoever the Board appoints to supervise the PDP chair election process).
2) Our interpretation is that, if the Board were to convene a committee for this purpose, this committee would be responsible for deciding appeals to the election process. In some cases, this might be the Electoral Commission itself.
3) We note that the ratification process as well as the reference to ratification itself has been removed from Section 3.2.3.6, which calls for the elected candidate to take office immediately. However, Section 3.2.3.7 includes two references to ratification, thus creating ambiguity.
4) If this proposal is approved as is, we assume that there will be no ratification process for the elected chair.
Recommendations:
1) No additional recommendations are included for this version of the proposal.
Official Sources:
Not applicable.
Impact of the policy on the registry and/or other systems
This proposal would not require any changes to the registry system.
This proposal establishes changes to the PDP Chair election procedure.
Rationale (Describe the problem you intend to solve)On several occasions we have seen cases of malicious interference in LACNIC's election processes, and the normal functioning of the Policy List has been interrupted. This is not acceptable, even less so when they involve processes outside the PDP.
Combined with a detailed review of the current procedures, these actions and have uncovered errors which can lead to the discrimination of certain candidates in favor of others and do not prevent potential fraud.
This proposal seeks to correct this situation, incorporating the process as a more explicit part of the PDP.
Current textCurrent text
3.2.2. About the PDP Chairs
o PDP Chairs may not be LACNIC staff.
o These positions will be honorary.
o PDP Chairs must be members of LACNIC or supported by a member of LACNIC.
o PDP Chairs will each serve a 2-year term, with one position up for renewal each year. Unlimited reelection is allowed.
3.2.3. About the election of the chairs:
o Calls for nominations will be announced through the Public Policy List.
o Anyone subscribed to the Public Policy List may participate.
o The election will be conducted immediately before the Public Policy Forum.
o Voting will be conducted electronically, applying mechanisms to ensure that each subscriber to the list can cast only one vote.
o The winner of the electronic voting process must be ratified at the Public Policy Forum. The acting chairs will ask those in attendance whether they have any objections to the electronic voting process. If any objections are raised, the chairs will evaluate whether such objections are significant. If no objections are raised, or if the chairs consider that such objections are not significant, they will proceed to ratify the winning candidate. Any chair who ran in the election must abstain from participating as chair during the ratification process.
o Elected chairs will begin their term immediately after the closing of the Public Policy Forum during which they were ratified.
o If a winner is not ratified, the LACNIC Board will appoint a chair to fill the vacant position until the following Public Policy Forum. The next time an election and ratification process can be conducted, the person elected will only fill the position for the remainder of the original term.
New text
3.2.2. About the PDP chairs
o PDP chairs may not be LACNIC staff.
o This position is not compatible with others within of the structure of any RIR/NIR, ICANN, TLD or similar organizations (Board of Directors, Commissions, etc.). If this were to occur, the candidate’s application must specify how they will solve this situation should they be elected.
o Both chairs may not be from the same country, except in exceptional situations where there are no other acceptable candidates, in which case one of the chairs will cease in their position at the following election process (following year), either because their term has come to an end or by agreement among the two chairs, failing which the chair who has held the position the longest would automatically cease in their position.
o These positions will be honorary.
o PDP chairs must be members of LACNIC or supported by 2 members of LACNIC.
o PDP chairs will each serve a 2-year term, with one position up for renewal each year. PDP chairs may only be re-elected for one consecutive term but are illegible to run again after a one-year pause.
o Candidates must have been part of the Public Policy List for at least 6 months prior the start of the election process.
o In addition to the candidate’s biographical information, nominations must include specific information that allows assessing their contribution, participation and experience in the PDP.
3.2.3. About the election of the chairs:
o Calls for nominations will be announced through the Public Policy List.
o Anyone who has been part of the Public Policy List at least 6 months prior to the start of the election process may participate.
o The election process begins with a call for candidates issued on the 1st day of the month 3 full months prior to the end of the term of the chair that is to cease in their position. This phase will remain open for 28 to 31 days, depending on the length of the particular month during which it takes place.
o LACNIC will communicate the names of acceptable candidates to the Public Policy List, announcing where candidate information will be published.
o Candidates must strictly adhere to the AUP (otherwise they will be automatically disqualified). At the discretion of the chairs, the flagrant violation of the AUP by candidate supporters may also lead to the disqualification of the candidate.
o A period of 10 calendar days will then begin during which the community will be able to contribute relevant information on the candidates, both expressions of support as well as information considered important for raising objections. This information will be published simultaneously for all candidates on the first working day following the end of the 10-day period.
o Voting will begin on the first working Monday after the period specified above and will remain open for 7 calendar days.
o In the event of a tie, runoff voting among the two candidates who tied with the highest number of votes will begin the following working Monday and will remain open for 7 calendar days.
o Voting will be conducted electronically, using mechanisms to ensure that each voter can cast only one vote.
o LACNIC will immediately announce the results of the first voting round as well as those of the runoff vote if applicable.
o If any objections are raised by a member of the community, such objections must be communicated to the acting chairs within 7 calendar days of the announcement of the results. The chairs will then evaluate whether such objections are significant. If no objections are raised, or if the chairs consider that such objections are not significant, they will proceed to ratify the winning candidate.
o If the chairs determine that there are sufficient indications of fraud, they may disqualify the candidate or candidates in question. If it were necessary to invalidate the entire process, they may request that LACNIC repeat the process, setting a timeline such that election results will coincide approximately with the following Public Policy Forum, where the elected candidate can be ratified.
o Any chair who ran in the election must abstain from participating as chair during the ratification process.
o Elected chairs will begin their term immediately after the closing of the next Public Policy Forum.
o If it were not possible to ratify a candidate, the LACNIC Board will appoint a chair to fill the vacant position until the following Public Policy Forum. The next time an election and ratification process can be conducted, the person elected will only fill the position for the remainder of the original term. This same mechanism will apply, if necessary, in case either of the chairs resigns before the end of their term or for any reason fails to meet their responsibilities.
Current text
3.2.2. About the PDP Chairs
o PDP Chairs may not be LACNIC staff.
o These positions will be honorary.
o PDP Chairs must be members of LACNIC or supported by a member of LACNIC.
o PDP Chairs will each serve a 2-year term, with one position up for renewal each year. Unlimited reelection is allowed.
3.2.3. About the election of the chairs:
o Calls for nominations will be announced through the Public Policy List.
o Anyone subscribed to the Public Policy List may participate.
o The election will be conducted immediately before the Public Policy Forum.
o Voting will be conducted electronically, applying mechanisms to ensure that each subscriber to the list can cast only one vote.
o The winner of the electronic voting process must be ratified at the Public Policy Forum. The acting chairs will ask those in attendance whether they have any objections to the electronic voting process. If any objections are raised, the chairs will evaluate whether such objections are significant. If no objections are raised, or if the chairs consider that such objections are not significant, they will proceed to ratify the winning candidate. Any chair who ran in the election must abstain from participating as chair during the ratification process.
o Elected chairs will begin their term immediately after the closing of the Public Policy Forum during which they were ratified.
o If a winner is not ratified, the LACNIC Board will appoint a chair to fill the vacant position until the following Public Policy Forum. The next time an election and ratification process can be conducted, the person elected will only fill the position for the remainder of the original term.
New text
3.2.2. About the PDP chairs
o PDP chairs may not be LACNIC staff.
o This position is not compatible with others within of the structure of any RIR/NIR, ICANN, TLD or similar organizations (Board of Directors, Commissions, etc.). If this were to occur, the candidate’s application must specify how they will solve this situation should they be elected.
o Both chairs may not be from the same country, except in exceptional situations where there are no other acceptable candidates, in which case one of the chairs will cease in their position at the following election process (following year), either because their term has come to an end or by agreement among the two chairs, failing which the chair who has held the position the longest would automatically cease in their position.
o These positions will be honorary.
o PDP chairs must be members of LACNIC or supported by 2 members of LACNIC.
o PDP chairs will each serve a 2-year term, with one position up for renewal each year. PDP chairs may only be re-elected for one consecutive term but are illegible to run again after a one-year pause.
o Candidates must have been part of the Public Policy List for at least 6 months prior the start of the election process.
o In addition to the candidate’s biographical information, nominations must include specific information that allows assessing their contribution, participation and experience in the PDP.
3.2.3. About the election of the chairs:
o Calls for nominations will be announced through the Public Policy List.
o Anyone who has been part of the Public Policy List at least 6 months prior to the start of the election process may participate.
o The election process begins with a call for candidates issued on the 1st day of the month 3 full months prior to the end of the term of the chair that is to cease in their position. This phase will remain open for 28 to 31 days, depending on the length of the particular month during which it takes place.
o LACNIC will communicate the names of acceptable candidates to the Public Policy List, announcing where candidate information will be published.
o Candidates must strictly adhere to the AUP (otherwise they will be automatically disqualified). At the discretion of the chairs, the flagrant violation of the AUP by candidate supporters may also lead to the disqualification of the candidate.
o A period of 10 calendar days will then begin during which the community will be able to contribute relevant information on the candidates, both expressions of support as well as information considered important for raising objections. This information will be published simultaneously for all candidates on the first working day following the end of the 10-day period.
o Voting will begin on the first working Monday after the period specified above and will remain open for 7 calendar days.
o In the event of a tie, runoff voting among the two candidates who tied with the highest number of votes will begin the following working Monday and will remain open for 7 calendar days.
o Voting will be conducted electronically, using mechanisms to ensure that each voter can cast only one vote.
o LACNIC will immediately announce the results of the first voting round as well as those of the runoff vote if applicable.
o If any objections are raised by a member of the community, such objections must be communicated to the acting chairs within 7 calendar days of the announcement of the results. The chairs will then evaluate whether such objections are significant. If no objections are raised, or if the chairs consider that such objections are not significant, they will proceed to ratify the winning candidate.
o If the chairs determine that there are sufficient indications of fraud, they may disqualify the candidate or candidates in question. If it were necessary to invalidate the entire process, they may request that LACNIC repeat the process, setting a timeline such that election results will coincide approximately with the following Public Policy Forum, where the elected candidate can be ratified.
o Any chair who ran in the election must abstain from participating as chair during the ratification process.
o Elected chairs will begin their term immediately after the closing of the next Public Policy Forum.
o If it were not possible to ratify a candidate, the LACNIC Board will appoint a chair to fill the vacant position until the following Public Policy Forum. The next time an election and ratification process can be conducted, the person elected will only fill the position for the remainder of the original term. This same mechanism will apply, if necessary, in case either of the chairs resigns before the end of their term or for any reason fails to meet their responsibilities.
-
TimetableImmediate implementation
ReferencesEquivalent policies or procedures defined by the community, for the same purpose, also exist in the other regions.
In the case of AfriNIC, candidate nominations are reviewed by a Nominations Committee (NomCom).
• https://www.afrinic.net/policy/development-working-group#election
In the case of APNIC, in order to be elected by the community, candidates must have specific knowledge and expertise that varies depending on each specific working group.
• https://www.apnic.net/community/participate/sigs/sig-guidelines/chair-elections/
In the case of ARIN, instead of chairs, they have an “Advisory Council” (AC) whose members are elected through a NomCom. This NomCom assesses candidates based on a set of skills and considering their expertise and prior participation, using a candidate qualification questionnaire.
• https://www.arin.net/participate/oversight/elections/
• https://www.arin.net/participate/oversight/elections/procedures/
In the case of RIPE, the chair selection process is established by the participants of each working group. These processes are generally similar and share a common link, with expectations of the work to be done, knowledge of this work, etc.
• https://www.ripe.net/participate/ripe/wg/ap/address-policy-wg-chair-selection-process
• https://www.ripe.net/publications/docs/ripe-692
LACNIC 31 (06/05/2019)
This proposal establishes changes to the PDP Chair election procedure.
Rationale (Describe the problem you intend to solve)On several occasions we have seen cases of malicious interference in LACNIC's election processes, and the normal functioning of the Policy List has been interrupted. This is not acceptable, even less so when they involve processes outside the PDP.
Combined with a detailed review of the current procedures, these actions and have uncovered errors which can lead to the discrimination of certain candidates in favor of others and do not prevent potential fraud.
This proposal seeks to correct this situation, incorporating the process as a more explicit part of the PDP.
Current textCurrent text
3.2.2. About the PDP Chairs
o PDP Chairs may not be LACNIC staff.
o These positions will be honorary.
o PDP Chairs must be members of LACNIC or supported by a member of LACNIC.
o PDP Chairs will each serve a 2-year term, with one position up for renewal each year. Unlimited reelection is allowed.
3.2.3. About the election of the Chairs
o Calls for nominations will be announced through the Public Policy List.
o Anyone subscribed to the Public Policy List may participate.
o The election will be conducted immediately before the Public Policy Forum.
o Voting will be conducted electronically, applying mechanisms to ensure that each subscriber to the list can cast only one vote.
o The winner of the electronic voting process must be ratified at the Public Policy Forum. The acting chairs will ask those in attendance whether they have any objections to the electronic voting process. If any objections are raised, the chairs will evaluate whether such objections are significant. If no objections are raised, or if the chairs consider that any such objections are not significant, they will proceed to ratify the winning candidate. Any chair who ran in the election must abstain from participating as chair during the ratification process.
o Elected chairs will begin their term immediately after the closing of the Public Policy Forum during which they were ratified.
o If a winner is not ratified, the LACNIC Board will appoint a chair to fill the vacant position until the following Public Policy Forum. The next time an election and ratification process can be conducted, the person elected will only fill the position for the remainder of the original term.
New text
3.2.2. About the PDP Chairs
o PDP chairs may not be part of the LACNIC staff.
o The position is not compatible with other roles that are directly involved in the policy development process in any of its phases. If this were the case, the candidate's nomination must specify how they will solve this situation should they be elected. Thus, if they are elected, they will automatically cease in (or not take possession of, as the case may be) such incompatible positions, as specified in their nomination.
o Both chairs may not be from the same country, except in exceptional situations where there are no other acceptable candidates, in which case one of the chairs will cease in their position at the following election process (following year), either because their term has come to an end or by agreement among the two chairs, failing which the chair who has held the position the longest will automatically cease in their position.
o These positions are honorary.
o To run for the position, a candidate must be the membership contact of a LACNIC member organization or, alternately, they must be nominated by two membership contact of a LACNIC member organization.
o PDP Chairs will each serve a 2-year term, with one position up for renewal each year. PDP Chairs may only be re-elected for one consecutive term but are illegible to run again after a one-year pause.
o Candidates must have been part of the Public Policy List for at least 6 months prior to the start of the election process.
o In addition to the candidate’s biographical information, nominations must include specific information that allows assessing their contribution, participation and experience in the PDP.
3.2.3. About the election of the chairs
o Calls for nominations will be announced through the Public Policy List.
o Anyone who has been part of the Public Policy List for at least 6 months prior to the start of the election process may participate.
o Any use of the list for electoral purposes, even when by persons clearly supportive of a candidate, may result in their disqualification, at the discretion of the chairs, if there is evidence of collusion.
o If at any time during the process the chairs determine that there are sufficient indications of fraud, they may disqualify the candidate or candidates in question. If necessary, they may even invalidate the entire process and request that LACNIC repeat the process in its entirety, in which case a timeline will be set such that the timing of the election results will coincide as much as possible with the following Public Policy Forum.
o The election process begins with a call for candidates issued on the 1st day of the month three full months prior to the end of the term of the chair that is to cease in their position. This phase will remain open for 28 to 31 days, depending on the length of the particular month during which it takes place.
o LACNIC will communicate the names of acceptable candidates to the Public Policy List, announcing where candidate information will be published.
o A period of 10 calendar days will then begin during which the community will be able to contribute relevant information on the candidates, both expressions of support as well as information considered important for raising objections. This information will be published simultaneously for all candidates on the first working day following the end of the 10-day period.
o Voting will begin on the first working Monday after the period specified above and will remain open for 7 calendar days.
o In the event of a tie or, in case of an election with more than two candidates, if the margin of the candidate with the highest number of votes is smaller than 10%, runoff voting among the two candidates with the highest number of votes will begin the following working Monday and will remain open for 7 calendar days.
o Voting will be conducted electronically, using mechanisms to ensure that each voter can cast only one vote.
o LACNIC will immediately announce the results of the first voting round as well as those of the runoff vote if applicable.
o If any objections are raised by a member of the community, such objections must be communicated to the acting chairs within 7 calendar days of the announcement of the results. The chairs will then assess whether such objections are significant and have been proven. If no objections are raised, or if the chairs decide not to consider such objections, they will proceed to ratify the winning candidate.
o If a chair runs in the election, they must abstain from participating in any aspects of the election process. The Board of Directors will appoint one or two members of the community, as applicable, who are not running in the election, to chair the process.
o Elected chairs will begin their term immediately after the closing of the next Public Policy Forum.
o If it were not possible to ratify a candidate, the LACNIC Board will appoint a chair to fill the vacant position until the following Public Policy Forum. The next time an election and ratification process can be conducted, the person elected will only fill the position for the remainder of the original term. This same mechanism will apply, if necessary, in case either of the chairs resigns before the end of their term or for any reason fails to meet their responsibilities.
o The LACNIC Board of Directors is the highest instance of appeal in matters relating to the election process.
Current text
3.2.2. About the PDP Chairs
o PDP Chairs may not be LACNIC staff.
o These positions will be honorary.
o PDP Chairs must be members of LACNIC or supported by a member of LACNIC.
o PDP Chairs will each serve a 2-year term, with one position up for renewal each year. Unlimited reelection is allowed.
3.2.3. About the election of the Chairs
o Calls for nominations will be announced through the Public Policy List.
o Anyone subscribed to the Public Policy List may participate.
o The election will be conducted immediately before the Public Policy Forum.
o Voting will be conducted electronically, applying mechanisms to ensure that each subscriber to the list can cast only one vote.
o The winner of the electronic voting process must be ratified at the Public Policy Forum. The acting chairs will ask those in attendance whether they have any objections to the electronic voting process. If any objections are raised, the chairs will evaluate whether such objections are significant. If no objections are raised, or if the chairs consider that any such objections are not significant, they will proceed to ratify the winning candidate. Any chair who ran in the election must abstain from participating as chair during the ratification process.
o Elected chairs will begin their term immediately after the closing of the Public Policy Forum during which they were ratified.
o If a winner is not ratified, the LACNIC Board will appoint a chair to fill the vacant position until the following Public Policy Forum. The next time an election and ratification process can be conducted, the person elected will only fill the position for the remainder of the original term.
New text
3.2.2. About the PDP Chairs
o PDP chairs may not be part of the LACNIC staff.
o The position is not compatible with other roles that are directly involved in the policy development process in any of its phases. If this were the case, the candidate's nomination must specify how they will solve this situation should they be elected. Thus, if they are elected, they will automatically cease in (or not take possession of, as the case may be) such incompatible positions, as specified in their nomination.
o Both chairs may not be from the same country, except in exceptional situations where there are no other acceptable candidates, in which case one of the chairs will cease in their position at the following election process (following year), either because their term has come to an end or by agreement among the two chairs, failing which the chair who has held the position the longest will automatically cease in their position.
o These positions are honorary.
o To run for the position, a candidate must be the membership contact of a LACNIC member organization or, alternately, they must be nominated by two membership contact of a LACNIC member organization.
o PDP Chairs will each serve a 2-year term, with one position up for renewal each year. PDP Chairs may only be re-elected for one consecutive term but are illegible to run again after a one-year pause.
o Candidates must have been part of the Public Policy List for at least 6 months prior to the start of the election process.
o In addition to the candidate’s biographical information, nominations must include specific information that allows assessing their contribution, participation and experience in the PDP.
3.2.3. About the election of the chairs
o Calls for nominations will be announced through the Public Policy List.
o Anyone who has been part of the Public Policy List for at least 6 months prior to the start of the election process may participate.
o Any use of the list for electoral purposes, even when by persons clearly supportive of a candidate, may result in their disqualification, at the discretion of the chairs, if there is evidence of collusion.
o If at any time during the process the chairs determine that there are sufficient indications of fraud, they may disqualify the candidate or candidates in question. If necessary, they may even invalidate the entire process and request that LACNIC repeat the process in its entirety, in which case a timeline will be set such that the timing of the election results will coincide as much as possible with the following Public Policy Forum.
o The election process begins with a call for candidates issued on the 1st day of the month three full months prior to the end of the term of the chair that is to cease in their position. This phase will remain open for 28 to 31 days, depending on the length of the particular month during which it takes place.
o LACNIC will communicate the names of acceptable candidates to the Public Policy List, announcing where candidate information will be published.
o A period of 10 calendar days will then begin during which the community will be able to contribute relevant information on the candidates, both expressions of support as well as information considered important for raising objections. This information will be published simultaneously for all candidates on the first working day following the end of the 10-day period.
o Voting will begin on the first working Monday after the period specified above and will remain open for 7 calendar days.
o In the event of a tie or, in case of an election with more than two candidates, if the margin of the candidate with the highest number of votes is smaller than 10%, runoff voting among the two candidates with the highest number of votes will begin the following working Monday and will remain open for 7 calendar days.
o Voting will be conducted electronically, using mechanisms to ensure that each voter can cast only one vote.
o LACNIC will immediately announce the results of the first voting round as well as those of the runoff vote if applicable.
o If any objections are raised by a member of the community, such objections must be communicated to the acting chairs within 7 calendar days of the announcement of the results. The chairs will then assess whether such objections are significant and have been proven. If no objections are raised, or if the chairs decide not to consider such objections, they will proceed to ratify the winning candidate.
o If a chair runs in the election, they must abstain from participating in any aspects of the election process. The Board of Directors will appoint one or two members of the community, as applicable, who are not running in the election, to chair the process.
o Elected chairs will begin their term immediately after the closing of the next Public Policy Forum.
o If it were not possible to ratify a candidate, the LACNIC Board will appoint a chair to fill the vacant position until the following Public Policy Forum. The next time an election and ratification process can be conducted, the person elected will only fill the position for the remainder of the original term. This same mechanism will apply, if necessary, in case either of the chairs resigns before the end of their term or for any reason fails to meet their responsibilities.
o The LACNIC Board of Directors is the highest instance of appeal in matters relating to the election process.
-
TimetableImmediate implementation
ReferencesEquivalent policies or procedures defined by the community, for the same purpose, also exist in the other regions.
In the case of AfriNIC, candidate nominations are reviewed by a Nominations Committee (NomCom).
• https://www.afrinic.net/policy/development-working-group#election
In the case of APNIC, in order to be elected by the community, candidates must have specific knowledge and expertise that varies depending on each specific working group.
• https://www.apnic.net/community/participate/sigs/sig-guidelines/chair-elections/
In the case of ARIN, instead of chairs, they have an “Advisory Council” (AC) whose members are elected through a NomCom. This NomCom assesses candidates based on a set of skills and considering their expertise and prior participation, using a candidate qualification questionnaire.
• https://www.arin.net/participate/oversight/elections/
• https://www.arin.net/participate/oversight/elections/procedures/
In the case of RIPE, the chair selection process is established by the participants of each working group. These processes are generally similar and share a common link, with expectations of the work to be done, knowledge of this work, etc., etc.
• https://www.ripe.net/participate/ripe/wg/ap/address-policy-wg-chair-selection-process
• https://www.ripe.net/publications/docs/ripe-692
LACNIC 32 (06/10/2019)
This proposal establishes changes to the PDP Chair election procedure.
Rationale (Describe the problem you intend to solve)On several occasions we have seen cases of malicious interference in LACNIC's election processes, and the normal functioning of the Policy List has been interrupted. This is not acceptable, even less so when they involve processes outside the PDP.
Combined with a detailed review of the current procedures, these actions and have uncovered errors which can lead to the discrimination of certain candidates in favor of others and do not prevent potential fraud.
This proposal seeks to correct this situation, incorporating the process as a more explicit part of the PDP.
Current text3.2.2. About the PDP Chairs
o PDP Chairs may not be LACNIC staff.
o These positions will be honorary.
o PDP Chairs must be members of LACNIC or supported by a member of LACNIC.
o PDP Chairs will each serve a 2-year term, with one position up for renewal each year. Unlimited reelection is allowed.
3.2.3. About the election of the Chairs:
o Calls for nominations will be announced through the Public Policy List.
o Anyone subscribed to the Public Policy List may participate.
o The election will be conducted immediately before the Public Policy Forum.
o Voting will be conducted electronically, implementing mechanisms to ensure that each subscriber to the list can cast only one vote.
o The winner of the electronic voting process must be ratified at the Public Policy Forum. The acting chairs will ask those in attendance whether they have any objections to the electronic voting process. If any objections are raised, the chairs will evaluate whether such objections are significant. If no objections are raised, or if the chairs consider that any such objections are not significant, they will proceed to ratify the winning candidate. Any chair who ran in the election must abstain from participating as chair during the ratification process.
o Elected chairs will begin their term immediately after the closing of the Public Policy Forum during which they were ratified.
o If a winner is not ratified, the LACNIC Board will appoint a chair to fill the vacant position until the following Public Policy Forum. The next time an election and ratification process can be conducted, the person elected will only fill the position for the remainder of the original term.
3.2.2. About the PDP Chairs
o PDP Chairs may not be LACNIC staff.
o The position is not compatible with other roles that are directly involved in the flow of the policy development process in any of its phases. If this were the case, the candidate's nomination must specify how they will solve this situation should they be elected. Thus, if they are elected, they will automatically cease in (or not take possession of, as the case may be) such incompatible positions, as specified in their nomination.
o Both chairs may not be from the same country, except in exceptional situations where there are no other acceptable candidates, in which case one of the chairs will cease in their position in the following election process (the following year), either because their term has come to an end or by agreement among the two chairs, failing which the chair who has held the position the longest will automatically cease in their position.
o These positions are honorary.
o To run for the position, a candidate must be the membership contact of a LACNIC member organization or, alternately, they must be nominated by two membership contacts of LACNIC member organizations.
o PDP Chairs will each serve a 2-year term, with one position up for renewal each year. PDP Chairs may only be re-elected for one consecutive term but are eligible to run again after a one-year pause.
o Candidates must have been part of the Public Policy List for at least 6 months prior to the start of the election process.
o In addition to the candidate’s biographical information, nominations must include specific information that allows assessing their contribution, participation and experience with the PDP.
3.2.3. About the election of the Chairs:
o Calls for nominations will be announced through the Public Policy List.
o Voting will be conducted electronically, using mechanisms to ensure, to the extent possible, that each voter can cast only one vote.
o Given that the voters registry consists of the subscribers to the Public Policy List, in order to avoid tampering, efforts will be made to keep participants who subscribe solely for the election process from participating in each election, for example, by limiting the voters registry to those who have subscribed “n” months prior to the start of said process.
o Any use of the list for electoral purposes, even when by persons clearly supportive of a candidate, may result in their disqualification if there is evidence of collusion.
o If at any time during the process it is determined that there are sufficient indications of fraud, the candidate or candidates in question may be disqualified. If necessary, they may even invalidate the entire process and request that LACNIC repeat the process in its entirety, in which case a timeline will be set such that, to the extent possible, the timing of the election results will coincide with the following Public Policy Forum.
o The election process begins with a call for candidates issued on the 1st day of the month three full months prior to the end of the term of the chair that is to cease in their position. This phase will remain open for 28 to 31 days, depending on the length of the particular month during which it takes place.
o LACNIC will communicate to the Public Policy List the names of those candidates that meet all the requirements and have been accepted, announcing where the candidates’ information will be published.
o A period of 10 calendar days will then begin during which the community will be able to contribute relevant information on the candidates. If confirmed, this information will be published simultaneously for all candidates on the first working day following the end of the 10-day period. Based on such information, the Board may proceed to disqualify one or more candidates.
o Voting will begin on the first working Monday after the period specified above and will remain open for 7 calendar days.
o A difference of less than 10% will be considered a tie. In this case, if there are more than two candidates, runoff voting among the two candidates with the highest number of votes will begin the following working Monday and will remain open for 7 calendar days.
o LACNIC will immediately announce the results of the first voting round as well as those of the runoff vote if applicable.
o If any objections are raised by a member of the community, such objections must be communicated to the Board within 7 calendar days of the announcement of the results. In this case, the Board will assess whether such objections are significant and have been proven. If no objections are raised, or if the Board decides not to consider such objections, it will proceed to ratify the winning candidate.
o The elected chair will begin their term immediately after the closing of the next Public Policy Forum.
o If it were not possible to ratify a candidate, the LACNIC Board will appoint a chair to fill the vacant position until the following Public Policy Forum. The next time an election and ratification process can be held, the person elected will only fill the position for the remainder of the original term. This same mechanism will apply, if necessary, in case either of the chairs resigns before the end of their term or for any reason fails to meet their responsibilities.
o The LACNIC Board is the highest instance of appeal in matters relating to the election process.
-
TimetableImmediate implementation
ReferencesEquivalent policies or procedures defined by the community for the same purpose also exist in the other regions.
In the case of AfriNIC, candidate nominations are reviewed by a Nominations Committee (NomCom).
• https://www.afrinic.net/policy/development-working-group#election
In the case of APNIC, in order to be elected by the community, candidates must have specific knowledge and expertise, which varies for each specific working group.
• https://www.apnic.net/community/participate/sigs/sig-guidelines/chair-elections/
In the case of ARIN, instead of chairs, they have an “Advisory Council” (AC) whose members are elected through a NomCom that assesses candidates based on a set of skills as well as their expertise and prior participation, using a candidate qualification questionnaire.
• https://www.arin.net/participate/oversight/elections/
• https://www.arin.net/participate/oversight/elections/procedures/
In the case of RIPE, the chair selection process is established by the participants of each working group. Nevertheless, they are generally similar and share a common link, with expectations of the work to be done, knowledge of this work, etc.
• https://www.ripe.net/participate/ripe/wg/ap/address-policy-wg-chair-selection-process
• https://www.ripe.net/publications/docs/ripe-692
-
This proposal introduces changes to the PDP Chair election procedure.
Rationale (Describe the problem you intend to solve)On several occasions, we have seen cases of malicious interference in LACNIC's election processes, and the normal functioning of the Policy List has been interrupted. This is not acceptable, even less so when they involve processes outside the PDP.
Combined with a detailed review of the current procedures, these actions and have uncovered errors which can lead to the discrimination of certain candidates in favor of others and do not prevent potential fraud.
This proposal seeks to correct this situation, incorporating the process as a more explicit part of the PDP.
3.2.2. About the PDP Chairs
o PDP Chairs may not be LACNIC staff.
o These positions will be honorary.
o PDP Chairs must be members of LACNIC or supported by a member of LACNIC.
o PDP Chairs will each serve a 2-year term, with one position up for renewal each year. Unlimited reelection is allowed.
3.2.3. About the election of the Chairs:
o Calls for nominations will be announced through the Public Policy List.
o Anyone subscribed to the Public Policy List may participate.
o The election will be conducted immediately before the Public Policy Forum.
o Voting will be conducted electronically, applying mechanisms to ensure that each subscriber to the list can cast only one vote.
o The winner of the electronic voting process must be ratified at the Public Policy Forum. The acting chairs will ask those in attendance whether they have any objections to the electronic voting process. If any objections are raised, the chairs will evaluate whether such objections are significant. If no objections are raised, or if the chairs consider that any such objections are not significant, they will proceed to ratify the winning candidate. Any chair who ran in the election must abstain from participating as chair during the ratification process.
o Elected chairs will begin their term immediately after the closing of the Public Policy Forum during which they were ratified.
o If a winner is not ratified, the LACNIC Board will appoint a chair to fill the vacant position until the following Public Policy Forum. The next time an election and ratification process can be held, the person elected will only fill the position for the remainder of the original term.
3.2.2. About the PDP Chairs
o PDP Chairs may not be LACNIC staff.
o The position is not compatible with other roles that are directly involved in the flow of the policy development process in any of its phases. If this were the case, the candidate's nomination must specify how they will solve this situation should they be elected. Thus, if they are elected, they will automatically cease in (or not take possession of, as the case may be) such incompatible positions, as specified in their nomination.
o The Chairs may not be from the same company or from the same or related companies, except in exceptional cases where there are no other acceptable candidates.
o Their work is voluntary and unpaid.
o Candidates to the position must reside in the region more than 50% of the year and they must be the membership contact of a LACNIC member organization or nominated by one such contact.
o PDP Chairs will each serve a two-year term, with one position up for renewal each year. PDP Chairs may only be re-elected for one consecutive term, but are eligible to run again after a one-year pause.
o Candidates must have been part of the Public Policy List for at least 6 months prior the start of the election process.
o In addition to their biographical information, candidate nominations must include specific information that allows assessing their contribution, participation and experience in the PDP.
3.2.3. About the election of the Chairs:
o Calls for nominations will be announced through the Public Policy List.
o Voting will be conducted electronically, using mechanisms to ensure, to the extent possible, that each voter can cast only one vote.
o Given that the voters registry consists of the subscribers to the Public Policy List, in order to avoid tampering, efforts will be made to keep participants who subscribe solely for the election process from participating in each election by limiting the voters registry to those who have subscribed at least six months prior to the start of said process.
o Any use of the list for electoral purposes, even by persons clearly supportive of a candidate, may result in their disqualification if there is evidence of collusion.
o If at any time during the process it is determined that there are sufficient indications of fraud, the candidate or candidates in question may be disqualified. If necessary, they may even invalidate the entire process and request that LACNIC repeat the process in its entirety, in which case a timeline will be set such that the timing of the election results will coincide as much as possible with the following Public Policy Forum.
o The election process begins with a call for candidates issued on the 1st day of the month three full months prior to the end of the term of the chair that is to cease in their position. This phase will remain open for 28 to 31 days, depending on the length of the particular month during which it takes place.
o LACNIC will communicate to the Public Policy List the names of those candidates that meet all the requirements and have been accepted, announcing where the candidates’ information will be published.
o A period of ten calendar days will then begin during which the community will be able to contribute relevant information on the candidates. If confirmed, this information will be published simultaneously for all candidates on the first working day following the end of the ten-day period. Based on such information, the Board may proceed to disqualify one or more candidates.
o Voting will begin on the first working Monday after the period specified above and will remain open for seven calendar days.
o A difference of less than 10% will be considered a tie. In this case, if there are more than two candidates, runoff voting among the two candidates with the highest number of votes will begin the following working Monday and will remain open for seven calendar days.
o LACNIC will immediately announce the results of the first voting round as well as those of the runoff vote if applicable.
o If any objections are raised by a member of the community, such objections must be communicated to the Board within seven calendar days of the announcement of the results. In this case, the Board will assess whether such objections are significant and have been proven. If no objections are raised, or if the Board decides not to consider such objections, it will proceed to ratify the winning candidate.
o Elected chairs will begin their term immediately after the closing of the next Public Policy Forum.
o If it were not possible to ratify a candidate, the LACNIC Board will appoint a chair to fill the vacant position until the following Public Policy Forum. The next time an election and ratification process can be held, the person elected will only fill the position for the remainder of the original term. This same mechanism will apply, if necessary, in case either of the chairs resigns before the end of their term or for any reason fails to meet their responsibilities.
o The LACNIC Board is the highest instance of appeal in matters relating to the election process.
o The Board of Directors may delegate its functions relate to the election process to a Fiscal Commission or its equivalent.
Equivalent policies or procedures defined by the community for the same purpose also exist in the other regions. In the case of AfriNIC, candidate nominations are reviewed by a Nominations Committee (NomCom).
• https://www.afrinic.net/policy/development-working-group#election
In the case of APNIC, in order to be elected by the community, candidates must have specific knowledge and expertise, which varies for each specific working group.
• https://www.apnic.net/community/participate/sigs/sig-guidelines/chair-elections/
In the case of ARIN, instead of chairs, they have an “Advisory Council” (AC) whose members are elected through a NomCom that assesses candidates based on a set of skills as well as their expertise and prior participation, using a candidate qualification questionnaire
• https://www.arin.net/participate/oversight/elections/
• https://www.arin.net/participate/oversight/elections/procedures/
-
References-
Presented at:-
This proposal introduces changes to the PDP Chair election procedure.
Rationale (Describe the problem you intend to solve)On several occasions, we have seen cases of malicious interference in LACNIC's election processes, and the normal functioning of the Policy List has been interrupted. This is not acceptable, even less so when they involve processes outside the PDP.
Combined with a detailed review of the current procedures, these actions and have uncovered errors which can lead to the discrimination of certain candidates in favor of others and do not prevent potential fraud.
This proposal seeks to correct this situation, incorporating the process as a more explicit part of the PDP.
Current text3.2.2. About the PDP Chairs
o PDP Chairs may not be LACNIC staff.
o These positions will be honorary.
o PDP Chairs must be members of LACNIC or supported by a member of LACNIC.
o PDP Chairs will each serve a 2-year term, with one position up for renewal each year. Unlimited reelection is allowed.
3.2.3. About the election of the Chairs:
o Calls for nominations will be announced through the Public Policy List.
o Anyone subscribed to the Public Policy List may participate.
o The election will be conducted immediately before the Public Policy Forum.
o Voting will be conducted electronically, applying mechanisms to ensure that each subscriber to the list can cast only one vote.
o The winner of the electronic voting process must be ratified at the Public Policy Forum. The acting chairs will ask those in attendance whether they have any objections to the electronic voting process. If any objections are raised, the chairs will evaluate whether such objections are significant. If no objections are raised, or if the chairs consider that any such objections are not significant, they will proceed to ratify the winning candidate. Any chair who ran in the election must abstain from participating as chair during the ratification process.
o Elected chairs will begin their term immediately after the closing of the Public Policy Forum during which they were ratified.
o If a winner is not ratified, the LACNIC Board will appoint a chair to fill the vacant position until the following Public Policy Forum. The next time an election and ratification process can be held, the person elected will only fill the position for the remainder of the original term.
3.2.2. About the PDP Chairs
o PDP Chairs may not be LACNIC staff.
o The position is not compatible with other roles that are directly involved in the flow of the policy development process in any of its phases. If this were the case, the candidate's nomination must specify how they will solve this situation should they be elected. Thus, if they are elected, they will automatically cease in (or not take possession of, as the case may be) such incompatible positions, as specified in their nomination.
o The Chairs may not be from the same company or from the same or related companies, except in exceptional cases where there are no other acceptable candidates.
o Their work is voluntary and unpaid.
o To run for the position, a candidate must be the membership contact of a LACNIC member organization or nominated by the membership contact of a LACNIC member organization.
o PDP Chairs will each serve a two-year term, with one position up for renewal each year. PDP Chairs may be re-elected once, but are eligible to run again after a period of at least one year.
o Candidates must have been part of the Public Policy List for at least 6 months prior the start of the election process.
o In addition to their biographical information, candidate nominations must include specific information that allows assessing their contribution, participation and experience in the PDP.
3.2.3. About the election of the Chairs:
o Calls for nominations will be announced through the Public Policy List.
o Voting will be conducted electronically, using mechanisms to ensure, to the extent possible, that each voter can cast only one vote.
o Given that the voters registry consists of the subscribers to the Public Policy List, in order to avoid tampering, efforts will be made to keep participants who subscribe solely for the election process from participating in each election by limiting the voters registry to those who have subscribed at least six months prior to the start of said process.
o Any use of the list for electoral purposes, even by persons clearly supportive of a candidate, may result in their disqualification if there is evidence of collusion.
o If at any time during the process it is determined that there are sufficient indications of fraud, the candidate or candidates in question may be disqualified. If necessary, they may even invalidate the entire process and request that LACNIC repeat the process in its entirety, in which case a timeline will be set such that the timing of the election results will coincide as much as possible with the following Public Policy Forum.
o The election process begins with a call for candidates issued on the 1st day of the month three full months prior to the end of the term of the chair that is to cease in their position. This phase will remain open for 28 to 31 days, depending on the length of the particular month during which it takes place.
o LACNIC will communicate to the Public Policy List the names of those candidates that meet all the requirements and have been accepted, announcing where the candidates’ information will be published.
o A period of ten calendar days will then begin during which the community will be able to contribute relevant information on the candidates. If confirmed, this information will be published simultaneously for all candidates on the first working day following the end of the ten-day period. Based on such information, the Board may proceed to disqualify one or more candidates.
o Voting will begin on the first working Monday after the period specified above and will remain open for seven calendar days.
o A difference of less than 10% will be considered a tie. In this case, if there are more than two candidates, runoff voting among the two candidates with the highest number of votes will begin the following working Monday and will remain open for seven calendar days.
o LACNIC will immediately announce the results of the first voting round as well as those of the runoff vote if applicable.
o If any objections are raised by a member of the community, such objections must be communicated to the Board within seven calendar days of the announcement of the results. In this case, the Board will assess whether such objections are significant and have been proven. If no objections are raised, or if the Board decides not to consider such objections, it will proceed to ratify the winning candidate.
o The elected chair will begin their term immediately after the closing of the next Public Policy Forum.
o If it were not possible to ratify a candidate, the LACNIC Board will appoint a chair to fill the vacant position until the following Public Policy Forum. The next time an election and ratification process can be held, the person elected will only fill the position for the remainder of the original term. This same mechanism will apply, if necessary, in case either of the chairs resigns before the end of their term or for any reason fails to meet their responsibilities.
o The LACNIC Board is the highest instance of appeal in matters relating to the election process.
o The Board of Directors may delegate its functions relate to the election process to a Fiscal Commission or its equivalent.
Equivalent policies or procedures defined by the community for the same purpose also exist in the other regions. In the case of AfriNIC, candidate nominations are reviewed by a Nominations Committee (NomCom).
• https://www.afrinic.net/policy/development-working-group#election
In the case of APNIC, in order to be elected by the community, candidates must have specific knowledge and expertise, which varies for each specific working group.
• https://www.apnic.net/community/participate/sigs/sig-guidelines/chair-elections/
In the case of ARIN, instead of chairs, they have an “Advisory Council” (AC) whose members are elected through a NomCom that assesses candidates based on a set of skills as well as their expertise and prior participation, using a candidate qualification questionnaire
• https://www.arin.net/participate/oversight/elections/
• https://www.arin.net/participate/oversight/elections/procedures/
-
References-
Presented at:LACNIC 33 (online) (05/05/2020)
This proposal introduces changes to the PDP Chair election procedure.
Rationale (Describe the problem you intend to solve)On several occasions, we have seen cases of malicious interference in LACNIC's election processes, and the normal functioning of the Policy List has been interrupted. This is not acceptable, even less so when they involve processes outside the PDP.
Combined with a detailed review of the current procedures, these actions and have uncovered errors which can lead to the discrimination of certain candidates in favor of others and do not prevent potential fraud.
This proposal seeks to correct this situation, incorporating the process as a more explicit part of the PDP.
Current text3.2.2. About the PDP Chairs
o PDP Chairs may not be LACNIC staff.
o These positions will be honorary.
o PDP Chairs must be members of LACNIC or supported by a member of LACNIC.
o PDP Chairs will each serve a 2-year term, with one position up for renewal each year. Unlimited reelection is allowed.
3.2.3. About the election of the Chairs:
o Calls for nominations will be announced through the Public Policy List.
o Anyone subscribed to the Public Policy List may participate.
o The election will be conducted immediately before the Public Policy Forum.
o Voting will be conducted electronically, applying mechanisms to ensure that each subscriber to the list can cast only one vote.
o The winner of the electronic voting process must be ratified at the Public Policy Forum. The acting chairs will ask those in attendance whether they have any objections to the electronic voting process. If any objections are raised, the chairs will evaluate whether such objections are significant. If no objections are raised, or if the chairs consider that any such objections are not significant, they will proceed to ratify the winning candidate. Any chair who ran in the election must abstain from participating as chair during the ratification process.
o Elected chairs will begin their term immediately after the closing of the Public Policy Forum during which they were ratified.
o If a winner is not ratified, the LACNIC Board will appoint a chair to fill the vacant position until the following Public Policy Forum. The next time an election and ratification process can be held, the person elected will only fill the position for the remainder of the original term.
3.2.2. About the PDP Chairs
3.2.2.1. PDP chairs may not be LACNIC staff.
3.2.2.2. The position is not compatible with other roles that are directly involved in the flow of the policy development process in any of its phases. If this were the case, the candidate's nomination must specify how they will solve this situation should they be elected Thus, if they are elected, they will automatically cease in (or not take possession of, as the case may be) such incompatible positions, as specified in their nomination.
3.2.2.3. The chairs may not be from the same country, or from the same or related organizations, except in exceptional cases where there are no other acceptable candidates.
3.2.2.4. Their work is voluntary and unpaid.
3.2.2.5. To run for the position, a candidate must be the membership contact of a LACNIC member organization or nominated by the membership contact of a LACNIC member organization.
3.2.2.6. PDP Chairs will each serve a two-year term, with one position up for renewal each year. PDP Chairs may only be re-elected once, but are eligible to run again after a period of at least one year.
3.2.2.7. Candidates must have been part of the Public Policy List for at least six months prior the start of the election process.
3.2.2.8. In addition to their biographical information, candidate nominations must include specific information that allows assessing their contribution, participation and experience in the PDP.
3.2.3. About the election of the Chairs:
3.2.3.1. Calls for nominations will be announced through the Public Policy mailing list.
3.2.3.2. Voting will be conducted electronically, using mechanisms to ensure, to the extent possible, that each voter can cast only one vote.
3.2.3.3. Given that the voters registry consists of the subscribers to the Public Policy List, in order to avoid tampering, efforts will be made to keep participants who subscribe solely for the election process from participating in each election by limiting the voters registry to those who have subscribed at least six months prior to the start of said process.
3.2.3.4. Any use of the list for electoral purposes is not allowed, including expressions for or against the candidates. If evidence of collusion with a candidate is found, this may result in the candidate's disqualification.
3.2.3.5. If at any time during the process it is determined that there are sufficient indications of fraud, the candidate or candidates in question may be disqualified. If necessary, they may even invalidate the entire process and request that LACNIC repeat the process in its entirety, in which case a timeline will be set such that the timing of the election results will coincide as much as possible with the following Public Policy Forum.
3.2.3.6. The election process will begin with sufficient anticipation such that, even if the process were to be repeated, there will be enough time for it to be completed before the end of the term of the outgoing chair.
3.2.3.7. LACNIC will communicate to the Public Policy List the names of the candidates who meet all the requirements and have been accepted, announcing where the candidates’ information will be published.
3.2.3.8. A period of no less than ten calendar days will then begin during which the community may communicate to the Board of Directors information on any of the candidates which they consider relevant to the election. The potential use and publication of such information and even a potential disqualification are within the powers of the Board of Directors.
3.2.3.9. Voting will be open for a period of not less than seven calendar days.
3.2.3.10. The candidate with the highest number of votes will be elected. In the event of a tie, runoff voting among the two candidates who tied with the highest number of votes will begin and will remain open for a period of not less than seven calendar days.
3.2.3.11. The result of each voting round will be announced as soon as feasible.
3.2.3.12. If any objections are raised by a member of the community, such objections must be communicated to the Board within seven calendar days of the announcement of the results. In this case, the Board will assess whether such objections are significant and have been proven. If no objections are raised, or if the Board decides not to consider such objections, it will proceed to ratify the winning candidate.
3.2.3.13. Elected chairs will begin their term immediately after the closing of the next Public Policy Forum.
3.2.3.14. If it were not possible to ratify a candidate, the LACNIC Board will appoint a chair to fill the vacant position until the following Public Policy Forum. The next time an election and ratification process can be held, the person elected will only fill the position for the remainder of the original term. This same mechanism will apply, if necessary, in case either of the chairs resigns before the end of their term or for any reason fails to meet their responsibilities.
3.2.3.15. The LACNIC Board is the highest instance of appeal in matters relating to the election process.
3.2.3.16. The Board of Directors may delegate its functions relate to the election process to a Fiscal Commission or its equivalent.
Equivalent policies or procedures defined by the community for the same purpose also exist in the other regions.
In the case of AfriNIC, candidate nominations are reviewed by a Nominations Committee (NomCom).
• https://www.afrinic.net/policy/development-working-group#election
In the case of APNIC, in order to be elected by the community, candidates must have specific knowledge and expertise, which varies for each specific working group.
• https://www.apnic.net/community/participate/sigs/sig-guidelines/chair-elections/
In the case of ARIN, instead of chairs, they have an “Advisory Council” (AC) whose members are elected through a NomCom that assesses candidates based on a set of skills as well as their expertise and prior participation, using a candidate qualification questionnaire
• https://www.arin.net/participate/oversight/elections/
• https://www.arin.net/participate/oversight/elections/procedures/
-
References-
Presented at:LACNIC 34 online (05/10/2020)
This proposal introduces changes to the PDP Chair election procedure.
Rationale (Describe the problem you intend to solve)On several occasions, we have seen cases of malicious interference in LACNIC's election processes, and the normal functioning of the Policy List has been interrupted. This is not acceptable, even less so when they involve processes outside the PDP.
Combined with a detailed review of the current procedures, these actions and have uncovered errors which can lead to the discrimination of certain candidates in favor of others and do not prevent potential fraud.
This proposal seeks to correct this situation, incorporating the process as a more explicit part of the PDP.
Current text3.2.2. About the PDP Chairs
o PDP Chairs may not be part of the LACNIC staff.
o These positions will be honorary.
o PDP Chairs must be members of LACNIC or supported by a member of LACNIC.
o PDP Chairs will each serve a two-year term, with one position up for renewal each year. Unlimited reelection is allowed.
3.2.3. About the election of the PDP Chairs
o Calls for nominations will be announced through the Public Policy List.
o Anyone subscribed to the Public Policy List may participate.
o The election will be conducted immediately before the Public Policy Forum.
o Voting will be conducted electronically, implementing mechanisms to ensure that each subscriber to the list can cast only one vote.
o The winner of the electronic voting process must be ratified at the Public Policy Forum. The acting chairs will ask those in attendance whether they have any objections to the electronic voting process. If any objections are raised, the chairs will evaluate whether such objections are significant. If no objections are raised, or if the chairs consider that any such objections are not significant, they will proceed to ratify the winning candidate. Any chair who ran in the election must abstain from participating as chair during the ratification process.
o Elected chairs will begin their term immediately after the closing of the Public Policy Forum during which they were ratified.
o If a winner is not ratified, the LACNIC Board will appoint a chair to fill the vacant position until the following Public Policy Forum. The person thus appointed will only fill the position until the next time an election can be held and a is winner ratified.
3.2.2. About the PDP Chairs
3.2.2.1. PDP Chairs may not be part of the LACNIC staff.
3.2.2.2. The position is not compatible with other roles that are directly involved in the flow of the policy development process (e.g., the Electoral Commission or the Board of Directors). If this situation were to occur, the candidate's nomination must specify how they will solve this situation should they be elected, in which case they will automatically cease in (or not take possession of, as the case may be) the incompatible positions, as specified in their nomination.
3.2.2.3. Their work is voluntary and unpaid.
3.2.2.4. To run for the position, a candidate must be the membership contact of a LACNIC member organization or nominated by the membership contact of a LACNIC member organization.
3.2.2.5. PDP Chairs will each serve a two-year term, with one position up for renewal each year. PDP Chairs may only be re-elected once but are eligible to run again after a period of at least one year.
3.2.2.6. Candidates must have been part of the Public Policy List for at least six months prior the start of the election process.
3.2.2.7. In addition to their biographical information, candidate nominations must include specific information that will allow assessing their contribution, participation and experience with the PDP.
3.2.3. About the election of the PDP Chairs
3.2.3.1. Calls for nominations will be announced through the Public Policy mailing list.
3.2.3.2. Voting will be conducted electronically, using mechanisms to ensure, to the extent possible, that each voter can cast only one vote.
3.2.3.3. The voters’ registry will be comprised of those persons who subscribed to the Public Policy List at least six months prior to the start of the election process.
3.2.3.4. With the exception of announcements by LACNIC, using the list for electoral purposes is forbidden. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in the disqualification of the candidates.
3.2.3.5. If at any time during the process it is determined that there are sufficient indications of fraud, the candidate or candidates in question may be disqualified, and the election process may be invalidated and a new one requested.
3.2.3.6. Elected chairs will begin their term immediately after the closing of the following Public Policy Forum.
3.2.3.7. If it is not possible to ratify any of the candidates, the LACNIC Board will appoint a chair to fill the vacant position until the following Public Policy Forum. The person thus appointed will only fill the position until the next time an election can be held and a is winner ratified. This same mechanism will apply, if necessary, in case either of the chairs resigns before the end of their term or for any reason fails to meet their responsibilities.
3.2.3.8. The LACNIC Board is the highest instance of appeal in matters relating to the election process.
3.2.3.9. The Board of Directors may delegate its functions related to the election process to an Electoral Commission or its equivalent.
Equivalent policies or procedures defined by the community for the same purpose also exist in the other regions.
In the case of AfriNIC, candidate nominations are reviewed by a Nominations Committee (NomCom).
• https://www.afrinic.net/policy/development-working-group#election
In the case of APNIC, in order to be elected by the community, candidates must have specific knowledge and expertise, which varies for each specific working group.
• https://www.apnic.net/community/participate/sigs/sig-guidelines/chair-elections/
In the case of ARIN, rather than chairs, they have an “Advisory Council” (AC) whose members are elected through a NomCom that assesses candidates based on a set of skills as well as their expertise and prior participation, using a candidate qualification questionnaire.
• https://www.arin.net/participate/oversight/elections/
• https://www.arin.net/participate/oversight/elections/procedures/
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References-
Presented at:LACNIC35 (11/05/2021)
This proposal introduces changes to the PDP chair election procedure.
Rationale (Describe the problem you intend to solve)On several occasions, we have seen cases of malicious interference in LACNIC's election processes, and the normal functioning of the Policy List has been interrupted. This is not acceptable, even less so when they involve processes outside the PDP.
Combined with a detailed review of the current procedures, these actions and have uncovered errors which can lead to the discrimination of certain candidates in favor of others and do not prevent potential fraud.
This proposal seeks to correct this situation, incorporating the process as a more explicit part of the PDP.
Current text3.2.2. About the PDP Chairs
o PDP chairs may not be part of the LACNIC staff.
o These positions are honorary.
o PDP chairs must be members of LACNIC or supported by a member of LACNIC
o PDP chairs will each serve a two-year term, with one position up for renewal each year. Unlimited reelection is allowed.
3.2.3. Election of the PDP Chairs
o Calls for nominations will be announced through the public Policy List.
o Anyone subscribed to the Public Policy List may participate.
o The election will be conducted immediately before the Public Policy Forum.
o Voting will be conducted electronically, implementing mechanisms to ensure that each subscriber to the list can cast only one vote.
o The winner of the electronic voting process must be ratified at the Public Policy Forum. The acting chairs will ask those in attendance whether they have any objections to the electronic voting process. If any objections are raised, the chairs will evaluate whether such objections are significant. If no objections are raised, or if the chairs consider that the objections are not significant, they will proceed to ratify the winning candidate. Any chair who ran in the election must abstain from participating as chair during the ratification process.
o Elected chairs will begin their term immediately after the closing of the Public Policy Forum during which they were ratified.
o If a winner is not ratified, the LACNIC Board will appoint a chair to fill the vacant position until the next Public Policy Forum. The person thus appointed will only fill the position until the next time an election can be held and a winner is ratified.
3.2.2. About the PDP Chairs
3.2.2.1. Members of the LACNIC staff may not be elected to serve as PDP chair.
3.2.2.2. The position is not compatible with other roles that are directly involved in the flow of the policy development process (e.g., the Electoral Commission or the Board of Directors). If this situation were to occur, the candidate's nomination must specify how they will solve this situation should they be elected, in which case they will automatically cease in (or not take possession of, as the case may be) the incompatible positions, as specified in their nomination.
3.2.2.3. Their work is voluntary and unpaid.
3.2.2.4. To run for the position, a candidate must be the membership contact of a LACNIC member organization or nominated by the membership contact of a LACNIC member organization.
3.2.2.5. PDP chairs will each serve a two-year term, with one position alternately up for renewal each year. Unlimited reelection is allowed.
3.2.2.6. Candidates must have been part of the Public Policy List for at least six months prior the start of the election process.
3.2.2.7. In addition to their biographical information, candidate nominations must include specific information that will allow assessing their contribution, participation and experience in the PDP.
3.2.3. Election of the PDP Chairs
3.2.3.1. Calls for nominations will be announced through the public Policy List.
3.2.3.2. Voting will be conducted electronically, using mechanisms to ensure, to the extent possible, that each voter can cast only one vote.
3.2.3.3. The voters’ registry will be comprised of those persons who subscribed to the public Policy List at least six months prior to the start of the election process.
3.2.3.4. With the exception of announcements by LACNIC, using the list for campaigning is forbidden. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in the disqualification of the candidates.
3.2.3.5. If at any time during the process it is determined that there are sufficient indications of fraud, the candidate or candidates in question may be disqualified, and the election process may even be invalidated and a new one requested.
3.2.3.6. Elected chairs will begin their term immediately after the closing of the following Public Policy Forum.
3.2.3.7. If it is not possible to ratify any of the candidates, the LACNIC Board will appoint a chair to fill the vacant position until the following Public Policy Forum. The person thus appointed will only fill the position until the next time an election can be held and a winner is ratified. This same mechanism will apply, if necessary, in case either of the chairs resigns before the end of their term or for any reason fails to meet their responsibilities.
3.2.3.8. The LACNIC Board is the highest instance of appeal in matters relating to the election process.
3.2.3.9. The Board of Directors may delegate its functions related to the election process to an Electoral Commission or its equivalent.
Additional informationEquivalent policies or procedures defined by the community for the same purpose exist in other regions.
In the case of AfriNIC, candidate nominations are reviewed by a Nominations Committee (NomCom).
• https://www.afrinic.net/policy/development-working-group#election
In the case of APNIC, in order to be elected by the community, candidates must have specific knowledge and expertise, which varies for each specific working group.
• https://www.apnic.net/community/participate/sigs/sig-guidelines/chair-elections/
In the case of ARIN, rather than chairs, they have an “Advisory Council” (AC) whose members are elected through a NomCom that assesses candidates based on a set of skills as well as their expertise and prior participation, using a candidate qualification questionnaire.
• https://www.arin.net/participate/oversight/elections/
• https://www.arin.net/participate/oversight/elections/procedures/
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References-
Presented at:-