Commons:Commons Photographers User Group/Board Elections 2026/Candidates
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Board Elections 2026 |
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For candidates
[edit]- candidate should have at least 100 meaningfull contributions on commons.
- Only the members of the Commons Photographers User Group who were members as of 1st November 2025 are eligible for candidacy.
- Not blocked on any wiki projects.
For voters
[edit]- Only the members of the Commons Photographers User Group who were members as of 1st November 2025 are eligible to vote.
- You can vote support for multiple candidates, but only one vote per candidate. Oppose votes are not allowed, although discussion can happen on the talk page.
- Voters should sign up as a member before 1st November 2025 and having at least 50 meaningful contributions on commons.
List of Candidates
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Ailura (talk · contributions · Move log · Statistics · logs · block log)
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| Statement | Hi, my name is Andrea, I am active on Wikimedia Commons as sports photographer since 2011 and in the CPUG since 2017. I was the chair in our first board. I'm living in Austria and could build some experience in the board and the Commons Experts Group of Wikimedia Austria. I'm in the organizing team of the Wiki Loves Monuments, Wiki Loves Earth and Wiki Loves Folklore contests in Germany and I'm also organizing community events. I want the Usergroup to collaboratively work on making Wikimedia Commons a better place and I want us as an affiliate to serve as a point of contact between our members and the WMF.
Thank you | |
| Verification | Eligibility verification performed by the Elections Committee | |
Eligibility:  VerifiedVerified by: Regards, ZI Jony (Talk) 04:37, 17 February 2026 (UTC) | ||
Members' questions
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Frank Schulenburg (Frank Schulenburg)
[edit]Frank Schulenburg (talk · contributions · Move log · Statistics · logs · block log)
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| Statement | I founded this group in 2017. In 2021, I transferred governance to an elected board and served on it for two years to support the transition. Today, I believe the group has some untapped potential, and I would like to help shape its future. If elected, I would be willing to serve as chair, and advocate for the following measures: (1) Strengthening services. Our mission statement says "We will improve our skills by learning from each other." That's why I would reintroduce online video meetings and support a Commons conference where members can share photography-related knowledge in person, and discuss other Commons-related topics. (2) Exploring institutionalization. I believe we should explore options for further institutionalizing the group (e.g., forming a nonprofit organization to enable the group to receive donations and potentially provide grants to Wikimedia photographers worldwide). (3) Restoring on-wiki communication. I would work to bring the group's communication "back home" and revitalize it. I believe that discussions among members of Wikimedia user groups should take place on the respective Wikimedia projects. New members should be properly welcomed, and questions on our group's talk page should not remain unanswered for extended periods. For transparency, I moved into analog photography in 2024 and plan to continue in this direction, which may make me less visible as a photographer on Commons than in previous years. Finally, if elected chair, I will work to ensure active board participation and remove inactive board members as appropriate and in consensus with the rest of the board. Thanks for your consideration, --Frank Schulenburg (talk) 20:37, 14 February 2026 (UTC) | |
| Verification | Eligibility verification performed by the Elections Committee | |
| Eligibility: Verified Verified by: Regards, ZI Jony (Talk) 05:02, 17 February 2026 (UTC) | ||
Members' questions
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Gnangarra (talk · contributions · Move log · Statistics · logs · block log)
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| Statement | My first contribution to Commons was in February 2006, at that stage there was no unified login. I have contributed 5000+ plus photographs in my 30,000 edits. In June 2006 I created COM:QI and wrote the inital image guidelines for that which have since been expanded to be the community wide guideline. I have been part of the COT for Wikimania in 2020(cancelled), 2021 - first online, 2023 Singapore, and continue to serve on the Steering Committee. I was a key part of establishing ESEAP, and Wikimedia Australia. Externally I have organised many workshops including Photowalks. Currently I'm focusing on expanding into simple video content.
I have two aims for CPUG, one is to create a Commons Conference that focuses on Commons where the community can gather to discuss its future. The second is to improve Commons relationship with the WMF to encourage more investment in Commons reflecting its place as a key piece of the puzzle for the movement. | |
| Verification | Eligibility verification performed by the Elections Committee | |
| Eligibility: Verified Verified by: Regards, ZI Jony (Talk) 05:08, 17 February 2026 (UTC) | ||
Members' questions
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GPSLeo (talk · contributions · Move log · Statistics · logs · block log)
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| Statement | Hello,
I am Leo from Berlin, Germany. In 2017, I participated in the Wiki Loves Earth contest in Germany. The following years, I started supporting the organization of the WLE contest in Germany and became a part of the core organizing team running WLE, WLM and WLF in Germany. But I am not only organizing photo contests on Commons and Wikipedia, I also contribute to Commons with my own photos of natural and cultural heritage and events. Thereby, I focus on filling the gaps of missing photos we have. As I really like our project, I also want to help maintaining and moderating it and became an Admin in 2022. To show more people what they can do on Commons and how they can contribute with free licensed media for Wikipedia and beyond, I started also giving introduction workshops. Besides some introductions, I also held presentations at German language community conferences about Commons and photography. Commons struggles with the huge growth and technical difficulties. I participated in some conversations with the WMF about these problems. In the past, there were some developments in the correct direction. But now, the WMF just stopped on the path. We, as the Commons Photographers User Group and the general Commons community, need to be a strongly organized group that can articulate our demands and show why Commons is such an important project. As part of the board, I want to support organizing our group and present the demands as Commons photographers and general Commons community. The first step I want to take with the new board is the creation of rules on how the CPUG makes decisions, to get strong mandates when talking to third parties. Thanks for your trust. | |
| Verification | Eligibility verification performed by the Elections Committee | |
| Eligibility: Verified Verified by: Regards, ZI Jony (Talk) 05:05, 17 February 2026 (UTC) | ||
Members' questions
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Harald Krichel (Harald Krichel)
[edit]Harald Krichel (talk · contributions · Move log · Statistics · logs · block log)
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| Statement | I am Harald Krichel, a Wikipedian since 2003 under the username Seewolf, admin on the German Wikipedia since 2006. I have served on the Board of Wikimedia Deutschland (WMDE) for 8 years. Some of you might know my practical work as an active Commons photographer, covering events like the big European film festivals, music festivals or the Frankfurt Book Fair, as well as my role as a mentor in the Wikiportraits initiative. I know firsthand the practical, financial, and organizational challenges we face in the field.
I am running for the board because I want to position the CPUG as a strong, proactive advocate and lobby for photographers towards the Wikimedia Foundation (WMF). While the Foundation makes the strategic and financial decisions for the movement, the specific needs of content creators—especially photographers—can sometimes be overshadowed. My Goals as a Board Member: - Constructive Advocacy: Drawing on my 8 years of board experience at WMDE, I understand how the institutional side of the movement operates. The CPUG should be a recognized and respected negotiating partner for the WMF. We should aim for active involvement in relevant budget decisions, smoother grant processes, and official WMF backing for challenging accreditations. - Technical Improvements: We need to advocate effectively for the maintenance and continuous development of Wikimedia Commons as a whole. Crucially, this means pushing for highly reliable upload tools and a modernized user interface that makes our photographic works much more visible and easily discoverable. - Recognition: We produce the visual core of Wikipedia. My goal is to help ensure that this immense contribution receives the institutional support and recognition it requires. I want to use my organizational background and political experience within the movement to turn our User Group into an effective advocacy body. I look forward to your questions and your support. | |
| Verification | Eligibility verification performed by the Elections Committee | |
| Eligibility: Verified Verified by: Regards, ZI Jony (Talk) 05:10, 17 February 2026 (UTC) | ||
Members' questions
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Riddhi Sharma (Herdaisymione)
[edit]Herdaisymione (talk · contributions · Move log · Statistics · logs · block log)
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| Statement | I have been contributing to Wikimedia since 2024,Commons became my first project I contributed in and Commons Photographers Usergroup became the first Usergroup I became a member of,after gaining some experience through some offline and online Events and through some projects,I as a young female candidate aspire to continue contributing while also encouraging greater participation from young people worldwide. I firmly believe that engaging and empowering new contributors especially youth will strengthen the future of Commons and ensure a more diverse, inclusive, and sustainable community.I have been a part of Organizing team of Wiki Loves Science,2025(https://www.wikisciencecompetition.in/).I have participated in Wiki Loves Folklore (WLF) as a contributor.I have been to photowalks and I have managed and facilitated events for both South Asian(SA) and Central Asian(CA) Communities(https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Event:Hands-on_Session_on_Tools_You_Must_Know_for_Commons).I have been contributing to technical as well through Userscripts and Tools.I am specifically good with Managing events and research and outreach activities.I have observed that Wikimedia Commons can feel less approachable for youth, especially compared to other visually intuitive platforms.The current UI/UX can feel a bit complex which can be a reason leading to less youth participation.I believe this is an opportunity to improve accessibility, onboarding, and youth engagement.As a young contributor, I aim to help bridge this gap and encourage more global youth participation in Commons.If elected I will try to Influence WMF for the same.
Thank you for your consideration, --Herdaisymione (talk) 15:32, 15 February 2026 (UTC) | |
| Verification | Eligibility verification performed by the Elections Committee | |
| Eligibility: Verified Verified by: Regards, ZI Jony (Talk) 05:14, 17 February 2026 (UTC) | ||
Members' questions
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Mohammed Awal Alhassan (Alhassan Mohammed Awal)
[edit]Alhassan Mohammed Awal (talk · contributions · Move log · Statistics · logs · block log)
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| Statement | Wikimedia Commons is one of the Wikimedia projects I'm passionate about and have been contributing to it since I became a Wikimedian. As the founder of the Ghanaian Educators Wikimedia Community, an informal Wikimedia Community, I have been organizing and playing leading roles in organizing several events that recruit and train many volunteer Wikimedians across Africa to contribute to Wikimedia Commons. Examples of my projects are;
I was also one of the 2024 Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustee Candidates. https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2024/Candidates/en. Though unsuccessful, the experience gained from the onboarding processes will invaluable to the Commons Photographers User Group's board. Again, I have played an administrative role in Ghana Education Service since 2008. This has provided me with much experience in dealing with people from different backgrounds towards achieving a common goal and I hope to bring these diverse background of experiences onboard to advance the agenda of this User Group. | |
| Verification | Eligibility verification performed by the Elections Committee | |
| Eligibility: Verified Verified by: Regards, ZI Jony (Talk) 05:18, 17 February 2026 (UTC) | ||
Members' questions
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Nabin K. Sapkota (Nabin K. Sapkota)
[edit]Nabin K. Sapkota (talk · contributions · Move log · Statistics · logs · block log)
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| Statement | I am Nabin K. Sapkota, a long-time Wikimedian from Nepal, contributing to the Wikimedia movement since September 2013 on Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons, Wikidata and other sister projects. I currently serve as an Executive Member of Wikimedians of Nepal and as a member of the South Asia Regional Grants Committee, where I contribute to community governance, strategic program development, and equitable resource distribution across the region.
Over more than a decade of volunteer engagement, I have remained committed to strengthening free knowledge, community growth, and inclusive participation across Wikimedia communities. I have made 30,000+ contributions across Wikimedia projects, including 13,000+ contributions on Wikimedia Commons, with 7100+ unique photographs uploaded; reflecting my deep commitment to photographic knowledge and open visual documentation. My journey in the Wikimedia ecosystem has evolved from an editor and content contributor to a community organizer, outreach coordinator, project manager, and jury member for several international photographic events and campaigns including Wiki Loves Earth, Wiki Loves Monuments, Wiki Loves Birds, and Wiki Loves Folklore. My involvement in Wikimedia Events & Projects: https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Nabin_K._Sapkota#My_involvement_in_Wikimedia_Events_&_Projects_in_Detail Particularly, in Wikimedia Commons I’ve been the part of
I have worked closely with diverse groups, students, photographers, cultural practitioners, and emerging volunteers to ensure that underrepresented knowledge, heritage, and communities are documented and shared on Wikimedia platforms. My work reflects a strong commitment to equity, representation, and knowledge diversity. As a board member, I will prioritize:
With my experience as a contributor, organizer, governance member, and advocate for photographic knowledge, I am keen to serve the movement at the board level. -Nabin K. Sapkota (talk) 16:43, 15 February 2026 (UTC) | |
| Verification | Eligibility verification performed by the Elections Committee | |
| Eligibility: Verified Verified by: Regards, ZI Jony (Talk) 05:22, 17 February 2026 (UTC) | ||
Members' questions
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Obed makolo (Obedmakolo)
[edit]Obedmakolo (talk · contributions · Move log · Statistics · logs · block log)
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| Statement | 😊 In 2022, I started contributing to Wikimedia through the Igbo Wikimedia user group, through a physical event I attended on Wikidata. I continued contributions on Wikimedia through article creation from English to Igbo Wikimedia, Wiki Commons Igbo photo editathon, translation and description of photos on Wiki Commons. My contributions on Wikidata on item creation and translation and description on Wikidata are my highest contributions on Wikimedia. The movement for Igala Wikimedia community was birthed in 2024. I started contributing to my language, Igala. I have organized contest titles "IMPROVING THE LEXEMES DATABASE IN IGBO WIKIMEDIA 18/05/2024"[.https://outreachdashboard.wmflabs.org/courses/Igbo_wikimedia_User_Group/Improving_The_Lexemes_Database_In_Igbo_Wikimedia]. I contributed to Wiki Mentor Africa editathon. I was part of the host in this project: IGBO WIKIMEDIA STORYTELLING (VLOGGING) https://outreachdashboard.wmflabs.org/courses/Igbo_Wikimedians_User_Group/Igbo_Wikimedia_Storytelling-Vlogging I was mentored by Accurat .
I was mentored by accuracy051 on this project (https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mapping_out_Nigeria_markets_and_cemeteries%3B_a_guide_to_reforming_and_improving_Wikidata#Prizes) in 2023. I joined Wiki Mentor Africa group discussion work, (https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Obedmakolo/CitationToolkit). You can check all my contributions here: (https://guc.toolforge.org/?by=date&user=Obedmakolo. | |
| Verification | Eligibility verification performed by the Elections Committee | |
| Eligibility: Verified Verified by: Regards, ZI Jony (Talk) 02:43, 18 February 2026 (UTC) | ||
Members' questions
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Pedro Pacheco (Pedro J Pacheco)
[edit]Pedro J Pacheco (talk · contributions · Move log · Statistics · logs · block log)
| Candidate details | .jpg)
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| Statement | I have been a photographer at Commons since 2011. I have also been a member of the Wikimedia Spain board from 2015 to 2025, where I have almost always served as treasurer, as I am an accountant and tax advisor in Spain. That is precisely what I would like to contribute to the board that is elected: my knowledge and experience as treasurer. I remain a member of Wikimedia Spain, supporting administrative tasks, and an active member of WikiPortraits. Thank you for your consideration. I am at your complete disposal. Pedro J Pacheco (talk) | |
| Verification | Eligibility verification performed by the Elections Committee | |
| Eligibility: Verified Verified by: Regards, ZI Jony (Talk) 02:36, 18 February 2026 (UTC) | ||
Members' questions
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Ranjithsiji (talk · contributions · Move log · Statistics · logs · block log)
| Candidate details | .jpg)
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| Statement | Hi, my name is Ranjithsiji, I am active on Wikimedia Commons as geography photographer since 2011. I'm living in India and one of the contact persons of Wikimedians of Kerala User Group. I'm in the organizing team of the Wiki Loves Earth in India and Wiki Loves Folklore in India, Wiki Loves Birds in India, Wiki Loves Schools, Wiki Loves Village, Wiki Loves Onam, Wiki Loves Museums, Quantum Century Exhibition Campaign etc. and I'm also organizing community events. Thank you --Ranjithsiji (talk) 17:09, 17 February 2026 (UTC) | |
| Verification | Eligibility verification performed by the Elections Committee | |
| Eligibility: Verified Verified by: Regards, ZI Jony (Talk) 07:57, 19 February 2026 (UTC) | ||
Members' questions
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Salako Lukman Olamilekan (Royalesignature)
[edit]Royalesignature (talk · contributions · Move log · Statistics · logs · block log)
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| Statement | My journey in Wikimedia began with a simple goal: to document stories and cultures that are often missing from global archives. Coming from Nigeria, I understand how important representation is. Every image we upload strengthens shared memory and open knowledge.
I am the founder of the Yoruba Wikipedia Fan Club Offa, where I have supported local contributors through conversations, small meetups, and learning spaces. Alongside contributing thousands of images on Commons, I have worked to encourage new voices and promote inclusive participation. If elected, I will focus on three priorities: strengthening member engagement through practical activities and knowledge-sharing, exploring sustainable structures for long-term growth, and restoring responsive, welcoming communication within our group. My leadership approach is rooted in listening, collaboration, and accountability. I would be honored to serve and help shape our collective future. | |
| Verification | Eligibility verification performed by the Elections Committee | |
| Eligibility: Verified Verified by: Regards, ZI Jony (Talk) 05:46, 17 February 2026 (UTC) | ||
Members' questions
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Suyash Dwivedi (Suyash.dwivedi)
[edit]Suyash.dwivedi (talk · contributions · Move log · Statistics · logs · block log)
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| Statement | I am seeking re-election to Commons Photographers User Group Board for 2-year term to complete the unfinished business we've started together. Having served as Chair, I wish to continue in this role, though ultimately board members will decide among themselves what roles each will fill.
I have been contributing to Wikimedia since 2013 (17,000+ contributions on Commons and 230,000+ contributions Globally) , currently serving as Vice-chair of Affiliations Committee (AffCom). This dual role gives me unique perspective on how global affiliates can collaborate effectively. My on-wiki/offline contributions : https://meta.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Suyash.dwivedi/Events_&_outreach I share similar vision with other candidates about CPUG's global direction and believe we need to continue strengthening our international presence. As CPUG is global affiliate, I focused on preventing us from being traped in single region. My priority has been expanding partnering and collaborating with affiliates worldwide through projects like Wiki Loves Folklore (WLF), Wiki Loves Africa (WLA), and other international photography competitions (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Commons_Photographers_User_Group/Collaboration). During my tenure, I have orgenized trainings, workshops and capacity-building sessions (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Commons_Photographers_User_Group/Events), facilitated photo walks during Wikimania and reginal events, and actively working toward Global Commons Conference this is one of my dream to make it happen. If re-elected, I commit to:
I have the time and dedication to fulfill board responsibilities, including regular attendance at conference calls and contributing necessary hours for group's growth. Let's take CPUG to next level together. Thank you for your consideration. -- Suyash Dwivedi (💬) 11:02, 15 February 2026 (UTC) | |
| Verification | Eligibility verification performed by the Elections Committee | |
| Eligibility: Verified Verified by: Regards, ZI Jony (Talk) 05:06, 17 February 2026 (UTC) | ||