[python-committers] An alternative governance model

[Łukasz Langa]

> On Jul 18, 2018, at 1:23 PM, Alex Martelli <aleax at google.com> wrote:
> 
> Since 1179 (and with a few very minor exceptions in the centuries right after then -- none since 1612), the Catholic Church requires a super-majority of 2/3 to elect a new Pope. I don't see how the choice of a BDFL is so much more important to the Python community, than the choice of a Pope is to the Catholic Church; thus, requiring 90% rather than "just" 2/3 seems unwarranted.

This is a good point. Moreover, I'm sure Monty Python-wise it's only fitting for us to base our rules on a papal conclave.

If we do, then it looks like 2/3 it is. However, historically cardinal participation rates were really high so I'd like to keep the 90% participation rule there.

I do find it a bit problematic that a papal conclave doesn't vote "yes/no" but rather just places names for a predefined position using predefined rules.

> In fact, a 90% requirement gets dangerously close to a requirement for unanimity -- allowing any member of the Sejm to shout "Nie pozwalam!" and thus end the session and nullify every decision made in the session.

Oh, you know how to hit close to home! However, there's a big difference between one vote vetoing the ruling and ten (as there's 100+ GitHub committers now IIRC).

But yeah, if the Vatican is fine with two thirds, it sounds like we could, too. By the way, if we're already studying Polish parliamentary rules, 2/3 agreement is needed to make constitution changes.

- Ł