[OSM-talk] Reflection on OSMF Board Elections and Community Spirit

[Craig Allan]

Dear Binyam Dele,
 
Thank you for your passion for OSM and for thinking critically about our Board elections.  I'm not so sure about our elections being political, so here are my thoughts...
 
You will probably have noticed that elections for Board positions are deliberately very low-key and focused on persons not parties.  There is no criticism or even mention of competing candidates. There is no clustering of candidates into camps.  Manifestos and answers to questions are the only campaign materials.  
 
This manner of holding elections gives an advantage to people who answer the questions and who write the manifestos in a way that that shows awareness and understanding of OSM issues and organisational culture. The answers also demonstrate the candidate's clarity of thought and ability to accurately address an issue. 
 
It does help candidates if they have an existing positive profile in the community, which is something that is earned over time by (exactly as you say) proven contributions and genuine commitment. A candidate's record on Pascal Neis's contribution logging site https://hdyc.neis-one.org/?cRaIgalLAn is an integral part of candidate selection.  I think voters also vote to give some support for minorities, like women and non-western candidates, but we don't have a quota system.
 
My opinion is that the OSMF elections have a lot more in common with a corporate job application then they do with politics. 
 
In conclusion, the manner in which we hold elections can always be changed so if you (and others reading this) have any concrete criticisms or proposals for changes please continue this correspondence. 
 
Best regards
Craig Allan
 
 

> On 10/09/2025 09:42 SAST Binyam Dele <binyamdele23 at gmail.com> wrote:
>  
>  
> Dear OSMF Board,
>  
> I am writing as a passionate OSM member to share a personal reflection. Recently, I noticed that the campaigns for OSMF board elections sometimes appear to take on a tone that feels more like politics than community collaboration. For me, this is unusual and a little concerning.
>  
> The real strength of OSM has always been in the passion, honesty and commitment of volunteers who carry a deep sense of community. If the election process feels overly politicized, I worry that we may risk losing that spirit and with it, some of the dedication that keeps our community alive.
>  
> I believe it would help if, alongside open elections, we also found ways to highlight individuals with proven contributions and genuine commitment. This would ensure the process remains open and democratic, while also reflecting the values that have always guided OSM.
>  
> Thank you for considering this perspective.
>  
> Warm regards,
>  
> Binyam Dele
>  
> OSM Ethiopia  
> 
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