Wikipedia:Unopposed AFD discussion

This is an essay on Wikipedia:Consensus. It contains the advice or opinions of one or more Wikipedia contributors. This page is not an encyclopedia article, nor is it one of Wikipedia's policies or guidelines, as it has not been thoroughly vetted by the community. Some essays represent widespread norms; others only represent minority viewpoints.

Shortcut WP:UNOPPOSED

This page in a nutshell: An unopposed WP:AFD should never be closed as No consensus or Keep.

An unopposed WP:AFD discussion where there is a nomination for deletion and no one takes the position of keep in the discussion should not ever be closed as "no consensus" at any time.

An unopposed AFD discussion should be handled the same way as WP:PROD -- after the discussion has run its course and no one opposes deletion, then the AFD should be closed as delete.

What is "its course" in this case? Certainly not closing early. Re-listing may be an option if no one has commented at all. But if the time period has expired and only delete comments exist, then consensus is clear.

An even better option would be to not close the AFD but instead to research and comment on that AFD. Participation in the discussion can be far more valuable.