The political landscape of the Students’ Union has shifted considerably after last week’s elections. With many close contests, and just tens of votes separating some candidates, the hard left were the biggest losers of the night, with Labour, Liberal Democrats and independents coming out on top.
The biggest disappointment of the year was yet another depressingly low turnout. While the actual number of students who turn up to have their say was slightly up on last year, as a proportion of the student body figures were down. According to early results, just 7.8% of eligible students had their say, a figure that is not the hallmark of a healthy democracy.
Student Direct would like to congratulate all successfully candidates for winning over voters with their impassioned speeches, colourful banners and rafts of promises. However, the hard work has only just begun.
Election promises are easy to make, and even easier to break. The new Executive must work tirelessly to get more students involved in the Union and truly represent every student who is here in Manchester. Improving election turnout must be a priority. Only when they have done this can they truly consider themselves successful.
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