EUSA rules change could raise cost of campaigning

Edinburgh University Students' Association (EUSA) have announced rule changes to elections allowing candidates to spend their own money on campaigns.

The student body also introduced re-opening of nominations (RON) for the election giving voters the chance to actively not choose a candidate.

Even if a candidate faces no opposition, voters can choose RON. If this option attracts the most support, nominations will be opened once again for new candidates until someone is voted into the position.

EUSA president Thomas Graham said: “Similar systems are used all over the country and are one of the most popular models for student elections.

"We only decided to implement the new system after being asked by the students' union for changes to the existing model used for past elections.”

The new budget reform allowing any student running to use up to £120 of their own money has led to claims that some students will be given an advantage based on personal financial status.

When asked about this, Graham defended the change, saying: “The rule has been brought in to reflect that people have spent their own money before.” Mr Graham spent over £300 of his own money during his election campaign.

The money can be spent on any area of the candidates campaign that they wish. Before the change candidates could only spend their own money on ‘homemade materials'. Now the £120 figures covers all personal contributions.

When questioned on the possibility of putting potential candidates off running Graham acknowledged that “it may be off putting having such a figure in the rules but it is an upper limit not a lower one".

He stood by his original point: “Most people would have spent a lot more, as proved by past years. This new limit will at least provide some sort of level playing field."

Graham added that the new budget may attract innovative ideas: "Another reason for the new budget is to allow for and encourage innovation and original thinking from future nominees in their campaigns.”

Candidate nominations take place on 8 February with the election being held on 3 and 4 March when Edinburgh University students can cast their vote online via MyEd.