By Saio Marrah
Provisional results coming from the Fourah Bay College (FBC) Students' Union (SU) Elections indicate that Alfred Micah Sesay, a year three student at the Law Department , has won the September15th 2022 election with 477votes, representing 71.51%, while his only opponent, Salamatu Kakay, got 187 votes, representing 28.04%.
The provincial result further indicated that the valid votes casted were 664 out of 667 total votes.
A student, who preferred anonymity, told Politico after voting that the SU is very much important because it is a liaison between the students and the university administration.
He said the new online voting has averted the violence witnessed in past elections.
Aminata Sesay, a year three student, who could not cast her vote because she had not registered, however called on the new president to address the issue of insufficient classrooms for students.
According to her, this has cost students to miss lectures because sometimes two lectures clash at the same time and place, often leading to cancellation of tests.
She called on the new SU president to represent the voices of the students well to the university administration.
Sesay observed that the online voting system saw a peaceful atmosphere on campus to the extent that they can even study for their upcoming examination on voting day.
One year one male student, who also asked not to be named, was more concerned about the transportation problem the students face and called on the new SU leadership to address it.
The manifesto of the new president with the slogan “Let’s Fight for Our Dignity” focuses on uplifting the status of students, and having five key pillars which include promoting academic excellence, entrepreneurship, and capacity building.
It also has robust advocacy for early release of grades and re-sitting of exams, timely issuance of transcripts, and students’ progression requirement, and innovation.
The manifesto also aimed at addressing students’ welfare.
Politico could not reach both the newly elected president and his opponent to get their views.
The first time online voting system introduced at the first western style higher learning institutions in Sub- Saharan Africa has ensured this year’s polling day was relatively calm.
There was a strong presence of personnel from the Operational Support Division (OSD), a Para-military wing of the Sierra Leone Police.
Before the polling day, the official campaign day for the now loser, was marred by violence.
Copyright © 2022 Politico Online (16/09/22)
