About the ccNSO Council

The ccNSO Council plays a key role in coordinating the day-to-day work of the ccNSO by:

• Determining the direction of the ccNSO by reviewing work items and setting priorities.
• Facilitating discussions and the sharing of best practices among ccTLD operators.
• Representing the ccNSO within ICANN and ensuring ccTLD concerns are heard.
• Managing the ccNSO's operations, including working groups and policy development processes.

The Council meets on regularly scheduled calls and face-to-face at ICANN’s international meetings. Council’s meetings are open.

The ccNSO has a built-in mechanism to allow ccNSO members to challenge and potentially overturn Council decisions they disagree with. This mechanism ensures that the Council remains accountable to its members and that no decision is imposed without broad support.

If ccNSO members object to a decision made by the Council, they can trigger a "Member Vote" to review and possibly annul the decision. Here is how it works:

1. Triggering a Vote
   • If at least ten (10) Members of the ccNSO from different Territories and representing at least three (3) ICANN Geographic regions call for a Members vote on a Council decision, a vote is initiated.
2. Voting Process
   • Quorum shall be at least 33% of the total number of possible Emissary votes and at least three (3) votes per ICANN region.
   • A simple majority of ccNSO members must vote against the Council’s decision for it to be overturned.
   • If the majority supports annulling the decision, the Council is required to withdraw or reconsider its decision.

This accountability mechanism ensures that the ccNSO Council does not act against the will of its broader membership. Since participation in the ccNSO is voluntary, it’s crucial that members feel their voices are heard and that they have a way to contest decisions.