Protect Your Vote – If Something Feels Wrong, Speak Up

Dear Colleagues,

Number Resource Society (NRS) notes AFRINIC’s communication dated 15 December 2025 and provides the following clarifications in the interest of transparency, accuracy, and constructive engagement with the community.

Status of the September 2025 Election

NRS maintains that the September 2025 Board Election has not been lawfully or conclusively completed. Material aspects of the process remain disputed and unresolved. In addition to ongoing court proceedings, the September election is also in the process of being examined by relevant authorities, including in relation to appeals concerning the relevance and admissibility of certain evidence. For these reasons, the election cannot reasonably be treated as a settled or final matter.

 

Supervision of the Election

While AFRINIC states that the election was supervised, NRS notes that the Receiver was required to supervise the process in substance, not merely in form. Based on information available to members, such substantive supervision did not occur in a manner consistent with the intent of the court’s direction, giving rise to legitimate concerns.

 

Standing and Threats of Contempt

NRS is concerned that individuals whose status as directors has not been validated by the court are issuing or endorsing threats of contempt. This is particularly troubling given that the Order dated 5 September 2025 is itself under active appeal and therefore not final. Contempt proceedings are serious and should not be invoked to silence or intimidate members.

 

Treatment of Members

The tone of recent AFRINIC communications risks creating a chilling effect by portraying ordinary, good-faith questions from members as unlawful or improper. Such an approach may reasonably be perceived as bullying or intimidation, rather than neutral and professional administration.

 

Nature of NRS Communications

For clarity, NRS is not asking members to comment on court proceedings or express views on legal merits. Members are simply being asked factual questions—whether they registered to vote and whether they cast a ballot. Asking or answering such factual questions is lawful, non-contemptuous, and does not interfere with judicial processes. Threatening members for responding to these questions is unjustified.

 

Commitment to Transparency

NRS does not claim a mandate from AFRINIC and does not seek to replace any formal process. Its role is to promote transparency, accountability, and informed dialogue within the number resource community. NRS encourages all parties to de-escalate, respect due process, and allow the courts and relevant authorities to complete their work, while preserving an open and respectful environment for members.

 

Important Notice to Members

If you find your name on the voter register but did not register or vote, or if you observe any election irregularities, please contact NRS at election@nrs.help. NRS will protect your identity and ensure the information is reported through the appropriate lawful channels.

   

Sincerely,

Number Resource Society (NRS)