[members-discuss] Feedback on Mailing List/Board Election Issues - Follow-Up

Dear members,

In my previous email, I pointed to three areas of concern that came up 
ahead of our last General Meeting. Here is the promised follow-up on the 
third of these, which regards the ability to stand as a candidate in the 
RIPE NCC Executive Board elections.

After discussing the topic, the board has agreed that the best course of 
action is to assemble a task force of members whose goal will be to 
evaluate the nomination and election process. The outcome of this 
evaluation will be a set of recommendations for the board to consider at 
its September meeting, followed by a proposal to be presented to the
RIPE NCC membership at the October General Meeting. In this way, any 
necessary actions that need to be put to members for voting can happen 
before the next election takes place. This is not to say that the work 
of the task force will come to an end in September, as it may be that 
some of the relevant issues will still require further attention at that 
point.

Specific topics we expect to be addressed include the introduction of 
measures for the qualification and verification of candidates, issues 
around representation in biographies and statements of support, and 
possibilities for allowing members greater opportunity to engage with 
and question candidates prior to the election. More generally, the task 
force will be aiming to ensure that those who stand for the board have 
the right expertise and background.

We are, as of now, seeking volunteers willing to join the task force. We 
would like to see a diverse group of members apply, representing 
different regions and sectors of the membership. Please note that all 
meetings of the task force will be held remotely and will be organised 
by the RIPE NCC. To volunteer, please email agm at ripe.net by 8 July, 
remembering to let us know your country and organisation. We will then 
announce further details to you once the task force is formed.

Kind regards

Christian Kaufmann
Executive Board Chairman
RIPE NCC