Dear Friend,

NWC is among 10 CSOs to issue an urgent warning and call for corruption free elections as the International Seabed Authority holds Secretary-General elections in Jamaica. 

The letter reflects concern that "the incumbent candidate’s campaign, as well as his two previous terms, have been marked by serious allegations of corruption and conflict of interest." 

We additionally call for:

• ISA member states to be mindful when exercising their right to vote and to take steps to ensure a clean election reflecting the principles of accountability, transparency and integrity.
• A full and independent investigation into the allegations of corruption within the Authority.
• The establishment of guardrails to ensure that the office of the Secretary-General and all Secretariat members adhere to their duty of neutrality.

Additional reading:

• Fight Over Seabed Agency Leadership Turns Nasty, NYT

• Inside the battle for top job that will decide the future of deep-sea mining, the Guardian

• Fighting the New Sea Monsters: The Importance of Whistleblowing in Deep Sea Mining, National Law Review

• Towards the abyss: how the rush to deep-sea mining threatens people and our planet, EJF

• A gold rush in the deep sea raises questions about the authority charged with protecting it, LA Times