Election fever as students flock to the polls

Edinburgh University Students' Association has reached the seemingly impossible target of having over 25 per cent of the student body voting in this year's EUSA Elections – surpassing that target by a mere 20 votes.

Speaking to The Journal, current President Adam Ramsay claimed: “I’m fairly sure that was the highest number of people voting in a UK student election ever. I’m delighted with that.”

The position of president was a hard-fought race between EUSA’s current external affairs convener Thomas Graham and former Student editor Liz Rawlings. The phrase "every vote counts" has rarely proved more apt with the count going into a fourth round.

As the results were, tantalisingly, announced school by school, Mr Graham held the lead for the majority of the way yet Ms Rawlings was hot on his heels. In the end, Mr Graham prevailed to claim victory by the narrowest of margins and was positively delighted to be confirmed EUSA’s new President-elect.

He told The Journal: “Obviously I’m ecstatic to have been elected, and having such a massive turnout is incredible! I have to pay tribute to the other candidates, particularly Liz, who ran a fantastic campaign and I think it’s really positive to have such a competitive race.

“I’d like to thank my campaign team. Every single one of them has been fantastic and I couldn’t have done it without all their hard work. In particular I’d like to thank Ross MacRae for working his arse off for the last month and Josh MacAlister and Dean Carlin for their support and advice. I can’t wait to get started!”

The Journal editor Evan Beswick was voted in as Vice President of Academic Affairs. Voters decided that EUSA needed a fresh face on the sabbatical team this year, though the new VPAA-elect was clearly surprised and wore a permanent smile. He said: "I'm a little shocked, but extremely excited to be elected EUSA's next VPAA. The campaign was extremely tough, but I'm now looking forward to working just as hard during my year in office."

His opponent Robert Jenkin fought a formidable campaign and this was reflected by fact that 2009's was the highest vote ever for VPAA. Mr Beswick added: "I'd really like to congratulate my opponent, Robert Jenkin, who should be credited with running a fantastic campaign. I fully intend to build on the great progress he's made over the past year with the teaching awards."

The most convincing sabbatical victory was had by fourth year Law student James Wallace who was elected the new Vice President of Services. He beat his opponent, EUSA outsider Simon Kirkland, in every school despite an excellent campaign from Kirkland’s team.

Mr Wallace was evidently relieved after the results and told The Journal: “I’d like to thank Simon for a fantastic campaign and thanks to everyone who voted.” He then fittingly added: “I’m knackered!”

Camilla Pierry, the new Vice President of Societies and Activities, was spared the tension and nerves of the count as only a couple of days before the election her sole opponent, Louise Fellows, withdrew from the race. It was the first time in six years a sabbatical officer has returned unopposed.

In a statement released on her website, the third year English Literature student stated her reasons for pulling out so late in the day: “Contrary to much of EUSA’s publication, experience does count.

“My opponent has built relationships over the past few years with people who will give their votes and their support, whilst I found myself amongst a group of students occupied with their own lives , and unwilling to give up their time for EUSA.”

Speaking to The Journal Ms Pierry said: “It’s such a shame the position wasn’t properly contested; for all the stresses of campaigning I really wanted to be voted in on my own merit, but I am so excited for the year ahead!

“I’ve got some great ideas I really care about and I’m looking forward to working with the other three – I think we’ve got a really strong team.”

Meanwhile, Adam Ramsay offered some advice for the new sabbatical officers: “Remember who put you up there, keep an eye on the big picture, and choose your battles.”

The results for all other positions are published in full on the EUSA website, www.eusa.ed.ac.uk/elections.