Bruce Thanks, this is very helpful. I think clarity over point 3 is essential as this could impact the result. It would not be good if the election took place and then became subject to challenge because one candidate was subsequently ruled 'unelectable' after voting. It is not unreasonable to request that ICANN make all every effort to complete the reconsideration process within the (very reasonable) time line you set out. The timeline for such action as specified within the By-Laws should be viewed as the maximum period allowed, not the norm. Tony -----Original Message----- From: owner-council@gnso.icann.org [mailto:owner-council@gnso.icann.org] On Behalf Of Bruce Tonkin Sent: 07 May 2006 00:05 To: council@gnso.icann.org Subject: [council] RE: Board Seat election Hello Tony, I think that it is actually good that we have an impressive group of candidates to consider. I propose the following next steps: (1) I will formally ask the General Counsel to check the eligibility of all the nominated candidates against the various bylaw provisions relating to the selection of Board directors. (2) I will invite each of the candidates to submit a statement of interest consistent with the approach taken recently by the GNSO Council. (3) I am aware that one of the candidates, Marilyn Cade, has: (a) Sought advice from the General Counsel on her eligibility (b) Asked the ombudsman to review her eligibility (c) Has formally submitted a Reconsideration Request to the ICANN Board I am hoping that the reconsideration request can be considered promptly so that the outcome will be known before we need to vote. (4) I will arrange a teleconference for each of the candidates to address the GNSO Council, and also allow Council members to ask the candidates questions. I also suggest constituencies consider offering the opportunity for the candidates to address constituency members. (5) After the steps above are complete, I will arrange a teleconference for an election. We currently have scheduled a Council meeting for 18 May 2006. That might be a good time for step (4) above. I hope we can complete the process by the end of May 2006. I also urge all Council members to keep an open mind regarding the candidates, and take the time to consider further information about the candidates as it emerges through the processes above. Our job is ultimately to choose the candidate that adds the most value to the ICANN Board. Any suggestions regarding improving the process above are welcome. Regards, Bruce Tonkin