Calls for return of mass voting in student elections

Standard Digital 26 October 2019

Students in Kenya are championing for the return of a system where they directly elect their leaders. They are opposed to the current electoral college system adopted in late 2016 by local universities, saying it has killed the voice of vibrant leaders, writes Amos Lumbasi for Standard Digital.

In multiple interviews, the students said the current system has predisposed student leadership to manipulation by other forces. Isaac Kweyu of the University of Nairobi said the new voting system has been programmed to ensure that those chosen serve the universities’ interests. Suleiman Wangila, the president of Nakuru County Students Caucus, said the new law was aimed at killing students’ vibrancy and activism.

According to the new system adopted by universities, the students’ association constitutes itself into electoral colleges based on their academic departments, schools or faculties. Students from each of these faculties referred to as electoral colleges elect three representatives who then elect the students’ governing council that observes a two-third gender rule.
Full report on the Standard Digital site

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