Note on Language: Throughout this document the word Chair shall be used for both Chairs and Co-Chairs.
This document outlines procedures dealing with the tenure of RIPE Anti-Abuse Working Group Chairs.
The term of the AA-WG Chair is three years. A current chair may stand for re-selection at the end of their term. A AA-WG Chair may resign voluntarily at any time.
AA-WG Chair vacancies, along with a call for candidates, must be announced on the AA-WG mailing list at least one month in advance of the date upon which the selection will be held. The announcement should set a closing date for candidates. The AA-WG may request that a AA-WG Chair vacancy be opened so long as the addition of a new Chair would not cause the number of Chairs of the AA-WG to exceed three.
AA-WG Chairs are elected at AA-WG sessions at RIPE meetings. Anyone physically present at the AA-WG session is eligible to participate in the selection process. The candidate does not need to be physically present at the AA-WG session.
If possible the Chair should be elected by acclamation by the AA-WG or by consensus after discussion. If the result is unclear, then a secret ballot should be held. In the case of a ballot, votes will be counted by RIPE NCC Staff and/or Chairs of other AA-WGs. The result will be determined by simple majority.
A AA-WG Chair may be unable to fulfil their duties as described in this document or otherwise fail to serve the AA-WG and the community. With the endorsement of a significant share of the AA-WG, a vote of no confidence may be initiated.
Before a vote of no confidence is taken, due effort should be made to address the issue(s) leading to the vote. The right of reply must be given to all parties involved in the procedure. If this effort fails to resolve the issue, the vote may proceed.
The vote must be requested on the AA-WG mailing list at least one week in advance of the AA-WG Session at a RIPE meeting and should take place during the AA-WG session. Anyone physically present at the AA-WG session may take part in the vote. The vote should be conducted by secret ballot and votes counted by RIPE NCC Staff and/or WG Chairs of other RIPE WGs. The result will be determined by simple majority. If the vote of no confidence in a AA-WG Chair is passed, the seat is vacated and the AA-WG Chair is not eligible for stand for re-selection.
If a working group is left with no Chair, e.g. due to the resignation or removal of the sole AA-WG Chair, then the AA-WG may elect an interim AA-WG Chair according to the selection procedures specified above, but with candidates nominated at the AA-WG session. An interim AA-WG Chair must resign at the next AA-WG session, but may stand for re-selection.