Dear All With respect to all comments I observed that the election process is well managed in accordance with the recent RoP. I also agree with Amrita and we shall continue and complete the election. From my point of view, everything is fair so far and positively well managed . Thank you and best regards Nabeel Yasin On Thu, May 7, 2026, 10:18 Amrita Choudhury via APAC-Discuss < apac-discuss@icann.org> wrote:
Dear Ali and All,
The APRALO 2026 Regional Selections process has been conducted strictly in accordance with the APRALO Rules of Procedure (RoP) 2024 and was initiated by staff on 13 April 2026. The process, timelines, and methodology were communicated to the community, and nominations were submitted and processed on that basis, with candidates participating in full awareness of the established procedures.
At this stage, following the close of nominations and with voting about to commence, the current selection cycle cannot be halted without compromising the integrity and predictability of the process. Any changes during an active selection cycle would raise significant concerns regarding fairness, consistency and procedural stability, as well as unauthorized departure from the RoP.
Structural improvements can and should be discussed from time to time. In fact, the RoP had undergone extensive review, mostly recently in 2023-2024, which resulted in the community adopting the RoP 2024 by way of a supermajority of the electorate. However, such review has to be undertaken outside the context and conduct of an ongoing selection process. It is important not to conflate concerns regarding outcomes with any suggestion of a deviation from established process. APRALO provides established mechanisms for raising concerns and resolving issues through its leadership and community processes, consistent with the expectations set out in its RoP.
APRALO has always strived to uphold diversity. Importantly, diversity is not limited to geography, it encompasses gender, age, race, language, education, stakeholder communities, perspectives, and other dimensions. Even within a single region, diversity reflects differences in economies (including LDCs, small island states, landlocked countries, and varying population sizes).
While inclusion and diversity remain our guiding principles, it is equally important to recognize that active, consistent engagement and meaningful contributions to APRALO and ICANN processes throughout the year are vital for effective leadership.
Finally, it is essential that the APRALO community itself has the opportunity to nominate, vote if required and select the leaders they deem most suitable to not only represent them, but more importantly, to carry out their respective leadership functions.
Regards,
APRALO Leadership Team
On Wed, 6 May 2026 at 13:49, Ali AlMeshal via APAC-Discuss < apac-discuss@icann.org> wrote:
Dear colleagues,
I would like to formally register a strong objection to the current election process and its continuation in its present form.(*For all pos*i *tions)*
As discussed during the Meet the Candidate call, APRALO represents one of the most diverse regions within ICANN, encompassing multiple subregions with distinct perspectives and stakeholder realities. This diversity is not optional it is foundational to the credibility of our multistakeholder model.
However, the current and proposed incoming leadership composition reflects a *clear and persistent concentration within a limited part of the region*, with other subregions effectively unrepresented. This is not simply an issue of perception it is a matter of *structural imbalance* that raises serious concerns regarding fairness, inclusivity, and the integrity of our governance processes.
Proceeding under such conditions risks *undermining the legitimacy of the outcome itself*. When leadership does not reflect the diversity of the region it represents, it creates a disconnect that weakens trust, discourages participation, and contradicts the very principles ICANN is built upon.
I must therefore state clearly that continuing with the current process, without addressing this imbalance, is not aligned with the expectations of equitable representation or with ICANN’s stated commitment to inclusiveness and balanced participation.
Accordingly, I call for an immediate reconsideration of the process and the activation of a *selection** based mechanism in line with the Rules of Procedure (ROP)*. This should ensure a more balanced and credible outcome, and could follow models such as:
· A NomCom-style independent selection process, or
· The approach used for At-Large Board member selection through ALAC designated committees
This is not about individuals it is about ensuring that APRALO’s governance reflects the *full breadth of its community*, rather than a concentrated subset.
Addressing this issue is not optional; it is necessary to maintain the *credibility, legitimacy, and long term effectiveness* of APRALO within the ICANN ecosystem.
I urge colleagues to consider this carefully and to support a process that genuinely reflects the diversity we all claim to represent.
Thanks
Ali AlMeshal
ICANN - Former APRALO Vice Chair
Bahrain Internet Chapter - Vice Chair
Professional Public speaker in ICT and Digital Business
Payment Industry Expert Advisor
Mobile: +973 39440025
Skype: alialmeshal
email: dralialmeshal@gmail.com
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