Join MANRS Steering Committee Nominations

The Internet’s backbone relies on secure and reliable routing systems. As cyber threats evolve, initiatives like Mutually Agreed Norms for Routing Security (MANRS) play a pivotal role in safeguarding this critical infrastructure. Central to MANRS’s success is its Steering Committee, a dedicated group of experts guiding the program’s direction and fostering collaboration among network operators worldwide.

This article explores the significance of the MANRS Steering Committee, the nomination and election process, eligibility criteria, and why your involvement matters. With recent announcements for upcoming elections, now is the time to get involved and contribute to a more secure digital future.

Understanding MANRS and Its Critical Mission

MANRS, developed by the Internet Society, aims to reduce common routing threats such as hijacking, misconfiguration, and spoofing. By promoting best practices among Internet Service Providers (ISPs), hosting providers, and other network entities, MANRS enhances the overall security and stability of the global Internet.

Over the years, MANRS has grown significantly. As of 2025, hundreds of organizations participate, implementing measures like route origin validation, anti-spoofing filters, and global coordination. The program’s impact is evident in reduced incidents of route leaks and hijacks, contributing to a more resilient Internet ecosystem.

The Steering Committee serves as the strategic leadership body. Comprising nine members, it oversees program evolution, approves new participants, and represents MANRS in international forums. Committee members volunteer their expertise, typically serving two-year terms, ensuring diverse representation from various regions and sectors.

Why the Steering Committee Matters for Internet Security

The Committee’s influence extends beyond administration. It drives policy development, engages with standards bodies like the IETF, and collaborates with governments on routing security regulations. For instance, MANRS actions have informed BGPsec implementations and RPKI deployments, key technologies for secure routing.

Recent challenges, including large-scale route leaks affecting major cloud providers, underscore the need for strong leadership. The Committee prioritizes emerging threats like AI-driven attacks on routing protocols and coordinates responses to incidents, ensuring swift mitigation.

Diversity is a core strength. Members hail from Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas, bringing varied perspectives. This global outlook helps tailor MANRS actions to regional needs while maintaining universal standards.

Current Election Cycle: Key Dates and Opportunities

For the 2025-2026 cycle, three seats are opening, held previously by Melchior Aelmans, Musa Stephen Honlue, and Tony Tauber. Nominations closed on October 17, 2025, with voting occurring online from October 28-30, 2025, exclusively among MANRS participants.

• Nomination Period: Opened early September, closed October 17, 2025, 23:59 UTC
• Voting Window: October 28-30, 2025
• Seats Available: Three out of nine total
• Eligibility to Vote: Primary contacts of MANRS participant organizations

Check your status via the MANRS Observatory dashboard. Update profiles if needed to ensure your organization participates in the vote.

Who Can Participate: Eligibility for Nominees and Voters

Accessibility defines MANRS governance. Unlike some bodies requiring formal membership, anyone committed to routing security can nominate or be nominated for the Steering Committee. No MANRS participation prerequisite exists for candidates, broadening the talent pool.

This inclusive model ensures the Committee reflects the Internet community’s diversity, from enterprise networks to research institutions.

Step-by-Step Guide to the Nomination Process

The process emphasizes transparency and simplicity:

1. Self-Nomination or Nomination: Submit via official form on MANRS site, including bio, expertise summary, and vision statement.
2. Review and Confirmation: Nominees confirm willingness to serve if elected.
3. Candidate List Publication: Posted on MANRS website with profiles for voter review.
4. Campaign Period: Brief window for nominees to share additional info via community lists.
5. Voting: Secure online platform; one vote per participant org.
6. Results Announcement: Promptly post-election, with new members assuming roles January 1.

Historical data shows competitive races, with 2021 featuring over 20 nominees for seven seats, highlighting strong community interest.

Meet the 2025 Candidates: Profiles and Visions

Four candidates had committed by the reminder phase, each bringing unique strengths:

• Candidate 1: Veteran network engineer with RPKI implementation experience across APNIC region.
• Candidate 2: Policy expert advocating for MANRS in African telecom regulators.
• Candidate 3: Researcher focused on BGP anomaly detection using ML.
• Candidate 4: ISP operator pioneering global peering security standards.

Full profiles, including past contributions and plans for MANRS advancement, available on the official nominees page. Voters should review these to select leaders aligning with future challenges.

Expected Impact of New Committee Members

New members will prioritize expanding MANRS adoption in underserved regions, integrating with IPv6 security, and enhancing incident coordination tools. With rising state-sponsored routing attacks, expect focus on real-time threat sharing platforms.

Long-term, the Committee aims for MANRS v2.0, incorporating automation and AI for compliance monitoring. Success depends on elected members’ ability to rally the community toward these goals.

How to Get Involved Beyond Voting

Participation extends further:

• Join as MANRS participant via observatory.manrs.org
• Contribute to actions: filtering, validation, coordination, reporting
• Engage in community discussions on elists.manrs.org
• Promote MANRS at conferences like NANOG, APRICOT

Your actions amplify the Committee’s efforts, creating a virtuous cycle of security improvements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the time commitment for Steering Committee members?

Approximately 5-10 hours monthly, including bi-monthly meetings and ad-hoc tasks. Travel to annual summits encouraged but not mandatory.

Can organizations nominate multiple candidates?

Yes, but each candidate requires individual submission and confirmation.

How are ties in voting resolved?

Per the Community Charter, ties advance to runoff or resolved by current Committee.

Is prior MANRS Actions implementation required?

No, but demonstrated expertise in routing security strengthens candidacy.

When do elected members start?

January 1 following election, serving until December 31 two years later.

Conclusion: Secure the Internet’s Future Today

The MANRS Steering Committee represents a cornerstone of Internet governance. By nominating, voting, or joining as a participant, you help fortify routing against threats. As elections conclude, stay engaged—the resilience of our connected world depends on collective action. Visit manrs.org for updates and take the first step toward a safer Internet.

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medha deb

 

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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