[Community-Discuss] Elections with only one candidate

[Alan Barrett]

Dear AFRINIC members and community,

I have seen some speculation about how elections with only one candidate will be handled.

We will prepare ballot papers as usual, with “None of the above” as an additional choice.  In the case of Board elections, the requirement for a “None of the above” choice is specified in the election process at <https://www.afrinic.net/en/community/elections/bod-election/process>, section 9.2, second bullet point:

    • The ballot paper should provide voters with the option
      to not vote for any candidate (a.k.a. "None of the Above”).

For elections with only one candidate, the ballot would look something like this:

    TITLE OF ELECTION

    [ check box ] NAME OF CANDIDATE
    [ check box ] None of the above

For elections with multiple candidates, the ballot would be something like this:

    TITLE OF ELECTION

    [ check box ] NAME OF CANDIDATE 1
    [ check box ] NAME OF CANDIDATE 2
    [ check box ] NAME OF CANDIDATE 3
    [ check box ] None of the above

In the event that “None of the above” wins the most votes, then the seat remains vacant for the time being.

Alan Barrett
CEO, AFRINIC