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Restart, reboot and refresh: Elections 2026

After years of dedication, commitment, and invaluable contributions, Olga Kyryliuk has decided to step down from the SEEDIG Managing Board. On behalf of the entire SEEDIG community, we would like to express our sincere gratitude for everything Olga has done for our initiative. Her professionalism, energy, and thoughtful leadership have helped shape SEEDIG into the trusted multistakeholder platform it is today. She has been a driving force behind many important discussions and activities, always working to strengthen dialogue and cooperation across South Eastern Europe and the neighbouring area. Thank you, Olga, for your friendship, your commitment, and the countless hours you invested in making SEEDIG stronger. Your contribution will remain an important part of our story.

As previously planned and shaped in the statute, the SEEDIG community will hold elections for the new Managing Board during SEEDIG 11 in Sarajevo. The election process will provide an opportunity for the community to elect new leadership and continue building on the strong foundations established over the past decade.

We look forward to welcoming the community to Sarajevo, where together we will begin the next chapter of SEEDIG, with new leadership.

(UPDATE) 

Announcement: Open Call for Candidacies and Voter Registration for SEEDIG Managing Board Elections 2026

 

Belgrade | September 22, 2026 — The Managing Board of the South Eastern European Dialogue on Internet Governance (SEEDIG) has officially announced the procedures and timeline for the upcoming Managing Board Elections 2026 (Decision No. MB-2026/09-01).
To ensure broad community representation, regional continuity, and technical integrity, the 2026 elections will be conducted electronically via a secure online voting platform throughout the month of November, with the new Managing Board taking office on January 1, 2027.
Key Electoral Timeline
 * September 30, 2026: Publication of the Master Eligible Voter List
 * October 1 – October 31, 2026: Open Window for Voter Registration & Board Candidacies
 * November 1 – November 30, 2026: Electronic Voting Window
 * December 1, 2026: Official Announcement of Election Results
 * January 1, 2027: Newly Elected Managing Board Assumes Office
Voter Eligibility & Registration
The Master Eligible List will be published on September 30, 2026. Voter participation is organized across three dedicated Electoral Colleges:
 * College A — General Members (50% Vote Weight): Individuals who have registered for at least two (2) of the last three (3) SEEDIG Annual Meetings.
 * College B — Donors & Institutional Supporters (35% Vote Weight): Donor entities and individuals supporting SEEDIG annual events across all three (3) consecutive years preceding the election.
 * College C — Youth School Alumni (15% Vote Weight): Participants and graduates of the 2024 and 2025 SEEDIG Youth Schools.
Important: Inclusion on the Master List does not automatically generate a ballot. All eligible voters across all three colleges must complete mandatory registration between October 1 and October 31, 2026 to receive access credentials for the voting platform.
 
Call for Board Candidacies
Members included on the published Master Voter List are invited to submit their candidacies for the Managing Board.
 Requirements:
   * Candidates must be from the South Eastern Europe (SEE) region as defined in the SEEDIG Statute.
   * Candidates must be included on the published Master Voter List.
   * Submissions must include a formal application accompanied by a letter of support from another eligible member on the Master Voter List.
 * Submission Window: October 1 – October 31, 2026 (23:59 UTC).
 * Submission Address: Send candidacy packages directly to elections@seedig.net.
Voting Mechanics & Verification
Voting will take place via a secure online platform managed under the administrative oversight of the Secretary General. Final results will be calculated using a weighted formula corresponding to the three electoral colleges (50\% / 35\% / 15\%) to ensure equitable representation across core members, institutional partners, and youth alumni.

For questions regarding eligibility, registration, or candidate submissions, please contact the election office at elections[at]seedig.net.