QMUSU candidate pulled out of election

A candidate in the Queen Margaret University’s Student Union (QMUSU) election withdrew from the presidential race twenty four hours before the polls opened.

Ektor Tsatsoulis expressed concerns in his resignation letter regarding the maturity of the university’s student body. Mr Tsatsoulis claimed that "unethical behaviours, immature threats and personal insults" were among the reasons for his withdrawal.

Alongside his resignation from the election, Mr Tsatsoulis also gave up his position as Marketing and Communication Officer, his membership of Student Parliament and involvement with other university committees.

Michael Breckenridge was subsequently elected president. Mr Tsatsoulis wished the newly elected president "best wishes for his really difficult task of changing the Union and dealing with these kinds of issues".

After the sacking of current president Blain Murphy, QMUSU were constitutionally obliged to hold a by-election to elect someone to hold down the position until the new president takes office.

However, a statement released by the union revealed no candidates were standing.

The union specified that only students who were not in full time education would be eligible to stand for the position of president and serve out the rest of the term until Michael Breckenridge takes up office on 10 June.

Speaking to The Journal this week, QMU’s Vice President Christie McMonagle said: "I am not surprised at the results of the by-elections since for someone to have become President they would have to not be a full time student, for a student to drop out of their course at this stage to be in position until June would have been unexpected."

A spokesperson for QMUSU said: "The Student’s Union will continue to function without a President until President Elect Michael Breckenridge takes up office on 10 June. We are confident that there will be little disruption to our services."