Wikipedia:Mediation Committee/Nominations/Two oppose rule

The Mediation Committee is a self-perpetuating official Committee of the English Wikipedia, and forms part of the dispute resolution process. The Mediation Committee provides formal mediation, as explained in Wikipedia:Mediation. It is generally expected that candidates will only be promoted if they are trusted by the community, have sufficient experience in mediation, and are of the right character.

New Committee members are selected from interested parties' self-nominations, which generally run for between two and four weeks. Active and emeritus members of the Committee comment on the nominations and ask questions. Comments are especially welcome from all Wikipedians, provided they are constructive and on-topic (for more information, see this).

Parties interested in nominating themselves should see here.

Two oppose rule

This internal policy was adopted in October 2005 as a result of a discussion about its merits on the mailing list. This policy, in short, dictates that the expression of opposition to a candidate's nomination by two or more members of the Committee will result in that nomination not being accepted. Nominations which receive opposition from two (or more) Committee members are automatically declined and delisted, with the designation "per the two oppose rule".

The closing of an unsuccessful nomination per the two oppose rule is without prejudice to future nominations, and only exists as a safety valve of sorts, which prevents a candidate being declined due to a single member's opinion. Please note that candidates who are unsuccessful due to the two oppose rule must wait at least three months before any reapplication.

Previous practice

Veto system

Prior to the adoption of the two oppose rule, the Mediation Committee utilised a veto policy for nominations - that is, any Committee member could "veto" the Nomination of a candidate. The result was, a single Committee member could express his or her opposition (through a Veto), and the nomination was automatically closed as unsuccessful. Since the adoption of the two oppose rule in October 2005, this practice is no longer in use.

Jimmy Wales

Nominations were previously subject to the final approval and veto of Jimbo (Jimmy) Wales, the founder of Wikipedia and the Mediation Committee. However, in practice he rarely commented on nominees or exercises this right. From 2012, Jimmy is no longer considered to retain this ability.