This Students’ Union is renowned around the country for being a highly politicised and often controversial institution. Students clash over big political questions, campaign hard and are highly critical of each other. But most importantly, it is democratic and should represent the views of every member of The University of Manchester.
In the past years it has had many great achievements. Homes fees for Asylum Seekers and turning the University into a fair trade institution would not have been possible without the Union. But it has also failed thousands of students.
These students do not necessarily disagree with the policies of the Union. Far worse, they feel that their Union does not listen to them, does not represent them and is totally irrelevant to their lives. This organisation, with its 34,000 members and £4.3 million budget, could do so much more to improve the lives of both students here in Manchester and people around the world.
With turnout at below ten percent in last year’s Union elections, 90 percent of people have no right to complain. If you forego your chance to spend five minutes of your time changing the status quo, you must clearly think that our Union is some sort of utopia.
This newspaper has often been critisised for pitching to the ‘typical student’. There is no such thing as a ‘typical student’ in one of the most diverse student cities in the country. This is why every student should take the time to ensure their Union, and this newspaper, represents them.
Polling takes place this Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in the Students’ Union buildings on both north and south campus.
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