QMU re-elect their current sabbatical team while Napier heads to the ballot box

Last week also saw the student elections at Queen Margaret University.

But in an interesting twist, each of the three presidential candidates had nominated a vice presidential candidate would to take office should they be elected. In short, Queen Margaret University’s 5600 students have voted for which sabbatical "team" they would like to represent them.

The incumbent, president Rio Floreza and his running mate current vice president Andrew McClean—fondly known as "Rusty"—were both re-elected. Their experience and impressive achievements in office during this academic year—including the availability of a free tracksuit to all QMU students and the newly implemented borrow-a-bike scheme—appeared to be the main reasons for students showing their unwavering confidence in the pair.

In his manifesto, Mr Floreza declared his intention to lobby for more flexible QMU accommodation leases, introduce student school captains to increase representation, introduce a board of external trustees for the Union, and work with Jewel & Esk College to share facilities.

In addition, McClean promised to improve the students' union bar through a feedback system, and to incorporate student opinion in future events. Furthermore, he wants to increase opportunities for students to travel with their peers, offering to increase the places available on the annual trip to Malawi.

Meanwhile across town, the newly re-named Edinburgh Napier University are holding their elections this week. Four candidates are standing for the one sabbatical role of president, with equality and integration being the common themes running through each campaign.

Candidate Idris Alagbe, a first year student of business and economics, told The Journal why he is running: “I believe there is need for integration and provision for unity for all Edinburgh Napier Students. The need for creative, easy access to opportunity for student finance must be implemented in relation to effective representation for all students – both Home, EU and international."

Fourth year student Kasia Bylinska—who takes the same course as Idris—is also running for president. She told The Journal: “I'm not running for my ego or the title, I am running for Napier students. I know that I can make Napier the best uni in Edinburgh and Napier students the strongest student community. I believe that we can be a strong and integrated university. I know I can make it happen.”

The other two candidates echo their rival’s goals yet the main focus of their campaigns are slightly different. Rik Carranza, a third year creative industries student has based his fight for leadership around his self proclaimed political neutrality, and around making student life cheaper in the current economic climate with the introduction of 99p sandwiches.

Finally, first year property management and investment student, Arvydas Jadevicius is pinning his hopes of victory on a quote from the infamous artist van Gough: “Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together.” By adopting an "open door" policy, the first-year student also hopes every student’s voice will be heard.

Polls open the week commencing Monday 9 March and the results will be published by the end of the week.