Re: [ga] Letter to the ALAC

[Danny Younger <dannyyounger@xxxxxxxxx>]

Dear Eric,
 
Perhaps you have noticed the WGIG discussions that are based on these principles enshrined in the Geneva Declaration:
 

   the Internet by now is a global facility
   its management should be multilateral, transparent and democratic
   its management should involve fully governments, private sector, civil society and international organizations

I look forward to the democratic management of the Internet and recognize that if ICANN is to become a more democratic institution (in keeping with the will and consensus of the international community), it will need to allow for the election of at-large directors by way of those organizations that are now being assembled under the auspices of the ALAC.  

If we seek to fulfill the promise of elected directors on the ICANN Board, our only vehicle is an electoral process that can be conducted by the regional structural units that are now being formed and certified by the ALAC (the process is akin to that of the ICANN constituencies that elect their representatives that in turn elect directors to the Board).  These local and regional structures could also directly support the cost of the election process so that ICANN could not pose the argument of election costs as an impediment to inaugurating an election cycle.

At issue is whether the ICANN Board regards the Interim ALAC as having reached a sufficient level of maturity to take on the responsibilities that lie on the road ahead.  The first step in proving their capabilities will be the act of seriously taking on the management of the GA list. 

Their involvement in this process will help to bridge the gap between opposing camps and eventually a consensus should emerge between parties such as yourself and members of the ALAC on the most expeditious way forward to secure the election of At-Large directors.

It all begins with a conscious effort to collaborate to achieve a mutual goal.  The ALSC recommended that the At-large fill one third of the seats on the ICANN Board.  This was put forth as a consensus position.  The ICANN Board did not challenge that consensus, only the methodology by which at-large directors were to be elected:

"Whereas, the Board is not persuaded that global elections are the only or the best means of achieving meaningful public representation or the informed participation of Internet users in the ICANN process;"

We have available to us now a methodology for elections by way of local organizations that can serve as an alternative to the type of elections previously held.  With your input and the help of others in the at-large community, I believe that the election process can be refined to everyone's satisfaction so that individuals within these structures can vote and that provisions can be made for those those that have no such formal membership to vote as well.

Best regards,

Danny

 

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