On January 15, 2025, the Wikimedia Foundation's Board Elections Committee announced that three candidates had been removed from the ballot for the upcoming board election. This decision, based on specific candidate eligibility rules, quickly became a hot topic among Wikipedia editors and community members. Let's explore why this happened and what it means for future elections.
What Are the Eligibility Requirements for WMF Board Candidates?
The Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees The governing body of the Wikimedia Foundation responsible for overseeing the organization's strategic direction and financial health. sets clear rules for who can run. Section 4.2 of the WMF Bylaws requires candidates to meet three key criteria:
- At least 300 edits across all Wikimedia projects in the past 12 months
- No community ban or restriction in the last 24 months
- Submission of a completed statement of intent and confirmation of Universal Code of Conduct A set of community standards enforced across all Wikimedia projects to ensure respectful collaboration. compliance
These rules aren't arbitrary. They ensure candidates have hands-on experience with Wikimedia projects and understand community dynamics. The Board Elections Committee Board Elections Committee The group responsible for reviewing and validating board candidates' eligibility. checks these details thoroughly before approving nominations.
How the Removal Process Works
The removal process starts when the Committee reviews all nominations. They use automated tools like Special:Editcount to verify edit histories and cross-reference with community records. If a candidate fails any requirement, they're removed immediately. No appeals are allowed at this stage-this isn't about fairness but about objective compliance.
For example, in the 2025 election cycle, the Committee flagged candidates who:
- Had edit counts below 300 (even if they had high activity years ago)
- Were subject to temporary blocks for violating UCoC in 2024
- Missed the deadline for submitting required documentation
This process happens quietly. Candidates aren't notified until the final list is published, avoiding unnecessary drama. But transparency is key-the Committee publishes detailed reasons for each removal on the WMF website.
Specific Cases of Candidate Removal
In January 2025, three candidates were removed for clear violations:
- Candidate A: A German editor with 285 edits in the past year. Despite 15 years of contributions, their recent activity fell short of the 300-edit minimum. The Committee confirmed this using the edit count requirements Specific metric for minimum edits required for board candidacy. tool.
- Candidate B: A French Wikipedia admin who received a six-month community ban in May 2024 for harassment. The community bans Restrictions imposed on users for violating community standards. record was visible in the public archive, disqualifying them automatically.
- Candidate C: A user from Brazil who never submitted their statement of intent. The deadline was March 1, 2024, but they submitted it on January 10, 2025-over a year late. The Bylaws Official rules governing Wikimedia Foundation operations and elections. state deadlines are absolute.
These cases show how strict the rules are. No exceptions were made, even for high-profile editors. The Committee emphasized consistency to maintain trust in the process.
Community Reaction and Implications
The removals sparked intense debate. Some editors praised the Committee for enforcing rules fairly. "This protects the board from candidates who don't understand current community issues," said a longtime administrator on Meta-Wiki. Others criticized the lack of flexibility. "What if someone had a medical emergency that reduced their edits?" asked a user on Reddit's r/Wikipedia.
But the Committee stood firm. They pointed to past issues where candidates with low recent activity struggled to contribute effectively. In 2023, a board member with minimal edits in the prior year failed to engage in critical discussions about AI ethics, causing delays in decision-making.
For future elections, the Committee announced two changes:
- Clearer public documentation of edit count thresholds
- A pre-nomination eligibility check tool for candidates
These steps aim to reduce surprises while keeping standards high. The incident also highlighted how community governance relies on precise rules-not personal opinions.
How to Ensure Eligibility for Future Elections
If you're considering running for the WMF Board, here's how to avoid removal:
- Check your edit count: Use Special:Editcount on any Wikimedia project. Enter your username and select "12 months" to see recent activity. If it's below 300, focus on consistent edits now.
- Review community records: Search your username on Meta-Wiki and check for any blocks or bans. Even temporary restrictions from years ago can disqualify you.
- Submit documentation early: The statement of intent must be uploaded by the deadline. Don't wait-start drafting it months in advance.
- Engage with current issues: Read recent discussions about AI, privacy, and global representation. The Board needs members who understand today's challenges.
Remember: Eligibility isn't about popularity. It's about meeting concrete standards that keep the Board functional and representative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were these candidates removed from the ballot?
The three candidates failed to meet specific eligibility criteria. Candidate A had only 285 edits in the past year, Candidate B had a six-month community ban in 2024, and Candidate C missed the documentation deadline. All violations were confirmed through official records.
Can removed candidates reapply in future elections?
Yes, if they address the issues. Candidate A could reapply after increasing their edit count to 300+. Candidate B must wait two years from the ban's end. Candidate C just needs to submit documents on time next cycle.
How does the Board Elections Committee verify eligibility?
They use automated tools like Special:Editcount and cross-reference with public community records. All checks are done manually by committee members who review each candidate's history. No third-party tools are used.
What happens if a candidate is wrongly removed?
The Committee has a strict review process. If an error occurs, they issue a public correction and reinstate the candidate. This happened in 2022 when an edit count tool glitch removed a valid candidate, who was later readded after verification.
Do these rules apply to all Wikimedia projects?
Yes. The WMF Board elections are global. Edits from any Wikimedia project (Wikipedia, Wikidata, Commons, etc.) count toward the 300-edit minimum. Community bans from any project also apply.
