Sighs of relief at EUSA as constitution passes referendum

Years of debate and political wrangling finally came to fruition at Edinburgh University Students' Association last week, as students voted resoundingly in favour of a new constitution for the union.

A campus-wide referendum held from 12 to 14 October attracted a total of 1,884 votes, with 1,695 votes in favour. But while 90 per cent of voters approved the constitution, the result also indicates that less than 7 per cent of the 29,000-strong student body actually voted in the referendum.

The result marks the culmination of years of work to reform the students' association in a move that EUSA president Matt McPherson claims will “empower” the students of Edinburgh University.

When asked about how the referendum will help students, Mr McPherson said: "the key to democracy is about empowering students, full stop.”

A win for the 'yes' vote was far from certain on Friday night: senior EUSA sources expressed fears that the referendum might not achieve quorum or attract the decisive two-thirds majority needed to pass, despite their earlier confidence in its passage.

The result of the constitution referendum was described as “not being the be all and end all” by Hugh Murdoch, spokesman for the ‘Yes’ campaign, but he also said that the “constitution will work for students”.

However, concerns linger with some over the lack of a ‘No’ campaign. Students voting online through MyEd were not provided with an election statement opposing the constitution, and video footage of a debate held the previous week was only posted online after voting began. Asked about the absence of an opposition campaign, Mr Murdoch claimed that, while for democratic reasons it was disappointing that there was not a more vigorous debate, there were obviously only “minor qualms” with the constitution.

Mr McPherson supported this view by claiming that it was "the strength of the constitution” that won support from the student body.

The reform means a number of important changes to the EUSA constitution.

Students will now be able to vote on union policy in online referenda, which will largely replace General Meetings— meaning students who are busy when voting takes place will find it easier to take part.

Another important change is that the EUSA campaigns will become more accessible. There will be three separate councils addressing External, Academic and Welfare issues so students will know which council to speak to about relevant concerns.

EUSA also hopes that the new constitution will force stronger representation for students especially those from under-represented groups.

However, questions have arisen over the role of external trustees. These external trustees will play a role in decision making but will always be outnumbered by trustees that are directly affiliated with the University.

In addition to this the influence of a Re-Open Nominations (RON) vote will be constrained in future elections.