Nominet registry considers its future

The .uk registry Nominet is asking its members to review its voting structure, and consider options to change to the way the organisation is run. The move came after several members complained that the current mechanism for calculating members' voting rights is unfair.

Currently each member can have no more than 10 percent of the total vote, but because only a tenth of member or less actually vote on Nominet issues, there is a risk that a small number of members could have an disproportionately large say in how the organisation is run, according to chief executive Lesley Cowley.

"People are saying there's an imbalance and we ought to look at this," Cowley said. "The consultation presents options on the best way forward so we can continue to involve members and have a [fairly run organisation]."

The consultation offers four options: staying the same and maintaining the 10 percent cap; weighted voting, with a cap of either 10 or three percent of the votes cast; or one member one vote.

The voting could have wider implications for the industry, because if a small number of members gain influence over the organisation, they could unfairly promote their own commercial interests, added Cowley.

"One member one vote could leave [Nominet] open to capture," she added. "In my view we want a compromise between these tensions – [the system needs] to deal with varying degrees of turnout."

The consultation period runs until 5 June 2006 and responses can be sent to votingrightsconsultation@nominet.org.uk