ArbCom election result announced
On Thursday 18 December, the six scrutineers[1] certified and announced the results of the two-week community-run election for the Arbitration Committee, the final dispute resolution body of the English Wikipedia. The nine new arbitrators, who will take up their seats on 1 January 2010, are Kirill Lokshin (72.9%), Fritzpoll (71.1%), Coren (70.1%), Mailer diablo (68.4%), Steve Smith (65.6%), SirFozzie (64.9%), Hersfold (64.6%), KnightLago (60.1%), and Shell Kinney (59.9%).[2]
The Signpost congratulates the arbitrators-elect, and offers its thanks to the other 13 candidates for participating in the election. A formal announcement of the appointments by Wikipedia co-founder Jimbo Wales is expected soon. Just as for the previous round of appointments a year ago, a system of tranches will be used to minimise the variation of vacancies from year to year.[3] The candidates with the five strongest votes—Kirill Lokshin, Fritzpoll, Coren, Mailer diablo and Steve Smith—will serve two-year terms expiring 31 December 2011; the remaining four successful candidates—SirFozzie, Hersfold, KnightLago and Shell Kinney—will serve one-year terms expiring 31 December 2010. The new ArbCom arrangement is illustrated in this graph.