2.2.2.2.1 The Pre-Election Phase

ICANN's Membership Implementation Task Force (MITF) was basically ineffective in the Asia and Pacific region. However, an independent program of outreach and education was undertaken during 1999 and 2000, through joint efforts by various stakeholders in the Asian Internet community. As part of the program, seminars were held for discussion of ICANN issues, including the At-Large, in Seoul, Bangkok, Taipei, Beijing, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, and other cities. Many national Network Information Centers and country code TLD registries currently operate some kind of ICANN education program, and APNIC conducts regular training programs that include an ICANN introduction session. However, these educational activities tend to be directed at people with a strong technical and/or business interest in the Internet, rather than average Internet users in the region.

By the September 8 deadline, 38,242 Asia and Pacific users had activated their At-Large Memberships. In comparison with the other regions, the Asia and Pacific region had the highest number of activated At-Large members, as well as the highest number of actual voters (well ahead of the next-highest regional turnout, Europe's, with 23,442 members). Most At-Large members registered from Japan (38,931), followed by China (33,670), Taiwan (9,193), and Korea (6,439) (see Appendix 2).

The lack of At-Large members from poorer countries in the region and dominance of richer nations is a manifestation of the divide we see in the uptake of information and communication technology generally. However, this digital divide raises particular concerns when viewed in terms of representation in democratic processes.

2.2.2.1.2 Electoral systems and traditions

2.2.2.2.2 The Japan ICANN Forum and chain reaction