EVE has announced the timeline that will govern their Council of Stellar Management, a player body that will represent player interests to developer CCP.

Below is the timeline for the next half a year concerning the CSM so you should be able to make preparations in time should you wish to throw your hat in the ring as a candidate. Two additional documents are included that describe the election process: one that details the reasons, background and the intention of the CSM and the second is a brief summary that contains the gut mechanism of the council’s functions.

It cannot be stressed enough that the council will not have any formal power within CCP; it will function solely as an advisory council to CCP by serving as a communication conduit between the playerbase and CCP.

The timeline is clearly explained in the announcement.  It's truly exciting to see that a company has chosen to allow their players such representation in their game!  Good luck to all who go out for the posititions!