Imagine discovering that someone you’ve never met has been voting on your behalf; deciding who leads AFRINIC and shaping the future of Africa’s internet, all while you were kept in the dark.
This isn’t just a disturbing hypothetical. It’s a reality that has plagued AFRINIC elections for years.This isn’t just a disturbing hypothetical. It’s a reality that has plagued AFRINIC elections for years.
The Silent Takeover
For far too long, a small group of insiders quietly hijacked the democratic process within AFRINIC. By exploiting complex systems and positioning themselves as “helpful” consultants, they gained access to members’ login credentials. What started as assistance turned into manipulation: they retained control of those logins and voted in members’ names; without consent.
This was not isolated. It happened across dozens, even hundreds, of accounts. The result? The same individuals and their allies kept winning elections; not by merit, but by manufactured majority.
Red Flags That Couldn’t Be Ignored
The manipulation was so blatant that it became impossible to ignore. Duplicate email addresses across multiple member organizations? A single person controlling 10, 20, even 50 votes? That’s not democracy. That’s digital election fraud.
Even the Internet Service Providers’ Association of South Africa raised alarms, warning that such practices threatened the legitimacy of AFRINIC’s governance.
By 2023, the situation spiraled out of control. AFRINIC’s board collapsed. A court stepped in. It was the wake-up call the community desperately needed.
Real Reform at Last
In 2025, AFRINIC finally rolled out reforms designed to protect voting integrity:
- Voting representatives must now be officially authorized by a company director.
- All authorizations must be backed by notarized letters.
- Only official company email addresses can be used.
- Each voting rep must provide government-issued ID.
These are not just bureaucratic hurdles—they are guardrails against abuse. If someone previously controlled 20 votes with a single Gmail address, those days are over.
Who’s Pushing Back – And Why?
Naturally, there’s been some resistance. Former board member Seun Ojedeji called the new rules “too cumbersome.” But let’s ask: are they really too difficult for a legitimate voter casting one vote? Or are they only inconvenient for those who used to cast dozens?
Let’s be clear: integrity isn’t convenient. But it is essential.
Take Back Control: 4 Steps to Reclaim Your Vote
Now is your moment. Reclaim your voice and help restore fairness to AFRINIC’s elections.
Step 1: Audit your AFRINIC contacts
Log in to MyAFRINIC. Make sure your organization’s admin and voting contacts are trusted, internal personnel.
Step 2: Secure your credentials
Change your password, enable two-factor authentication, and never share your login or OTP with anyone.
Step 3: Complete the new verification
Get your director to sign and notarize the required letter. Use a company email. Submit all required documents.
Step 4: Stay vigilant
After this election, continue monitoring your account. Don’t let history repeat itself.
A New Era – If You Choose It
AFRINIC’s future is now in your hands. For the first time in years, the system has real safeguards in place. Your vote can truly count—if you make it count.
The June 2025 election isn’t just about who sits on a board. It’s about whether AFRINIC belongs to its members or to a handful of manipulators hiding behind loopholes.
Let’s choose accountability. Let’s choose transparency. Let’s choose a better future.
Final Call: Reclaim. Reset. Rise.
Your vote is your voice. Don’t let anyone steal it. Check your account. Verify your rep. Show up and vote.
Together, we can end silent hijacking and restore AFRINIC to its rightful owners: us.
