Fresh allegations of fraud in Birmingham elections
The result of the executive committee election for the Birmingham University Guild of Students (BUGS) was announced at midnight on Friday 5th March. Richard Angell, former leader of the university Labour Club, won the prized and powerful position of Guild President with a slender majority.
The election had been characterised by an aggressive campaign by Angell. University campus, halls and lecture theatres were swamped with Angell campaign activists. Students couldn't miss the Angell campaign's central messages – lobbying for improved housing, fight to scrap top up fees and support the NUS.
Joe Rooney, a member of the Green Party, was the only candidate who stood a chance of beating Mr Angell. However, his campaign lacked momentum due to a small activist base. Despite this, his supporters have cause for hope as Mr Angell's victory was by a mere 80 votes from a potential electorate of 20,000.
Sources inside the Guild, who did not wish to be named, voiced concern at the validity of the ballot, suggesting that ballot box stuffing may have taken place.
BUGS elections have been mired in controversy since the elections for delegates to NUS were annulled last year due to allegations of fraud. This scandal sparked widespread national interest, not least with the leadership of the NUS. The elections were re-run in tandem with BUGS executive elections, and results are expected within the next two days.
Unfortunately for all concerned the dominant theme of the elections was apathy. A large number of ballot papers were spoilt and many voters reported that they would vote to re-open nominations.
As one engineering student commented: "I didn't vote because I don't know what the president does, I know it's important, but how can I tell who is best when I don't know the function of the position?"
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