Proposed APNIC By-law Reform 2025
In response to community feedback, the APNIC Executive Council (EC) is conducting a consultation on two potential amendments to the APNIC By-laws to:
- Extend EC member’s terms from two to three years.
- Introduce terms limits of three terms for EC members.
The EC will consider feedback received during the consultations and determine the final amendments, with a vote of APNIC Members intended to be held at APNIC 60 in September 2025.
The proposals below are drafts that have been prepared to encourage community discussion. The final wording will be completed after community feedback is considered.
Get involved – community consultation
Your thoughts on the proposals are welcomed by 18 April 2025.
The APNIC Secretariat will hold an online community consultation session where APNIC Members and the community are welcome to ask questions and provide feedback on the proposals.
The consultation session will be held on Monday, 7 April 2025 at 14:00 (UTC +10).
We encourage you to discuss the proposals further on the APNIC-Talk list on Orbit.
Proposed reforms
Proposal 1 – Extension of Executive Council terms
It is proposed that APNIC EC member’s terms are extended from two to three years.
Current APNIC position
APNIC EC members each serve a two-year term, but are eligible for re-election (by-law 33).
Position of other RIRs and ICANN
The proposal is consistent with the position of all the other RIRs and ICANN. The terms of their directors are three years.
Considerations
Three-year terms are more in line with industry standards and reflect good corporate governance in so far as they allow for:
- Stability in leadership: With the current two-year terms, there is the potential for four seats (more than half of the elected EC members) to change every two years, which could lead to significant instability and loss of experience and corporate knowledge.
- Greater accountability: Involvement in and accountability for multiple years of budget and activity planning, providing a greater opportunity to shape APNIC’s strategic priorities.
- Increased expertise: A three-year term allows EC members to deepen their understanding of the priorities of APNIC Members and the challenges, policies, and culture of APNIC, which can lead to better decision-making.
Proposal 2 – Introduction of Executive Council term limits
It is proposed that a term limit of three terms is introduced for the EC members.
Current position
The by-laws do not provide for term limits for APNIC’s EC members.
Position of other RIRs and ICANN
The directors of ICANN and ARIN cannot serve more than three consecutive terms. AFRINIC, LACNIC, and RIPE NCC do not currently impose term limits on their board members.
Considerations
- Board renewal: Term limits ensure there is adequate opportunity for EC renewal, allowing for fresh perspectives and new ideas to be introduced.
- Leadership opportunities: They provide greater opportunities for the next generation of leaders to participate in APNIC’s governance, fostering a diverse and dynamic EC.
Member vote
After Member feedback is considered, and final wording is completed, the EC intends to put the proposed by-law reforms to a Member vote at APNIC 60 in September 2025.
More information on the final proposals, including how to vote, will be published prior to APNIC 60.