Radar went along to the Student Election Results and here are your new Student Leaders.
After an exciting and emotional campaign, your new Student Leaders were announced on the Terrace at Union Way today at 3pm.
The results were presented by Fergus Boden from NUS Scotland who mentioned that there was a voter turnout of 12.9%. He also thanked candidates for their efforts in the elections and said: “Candidates were very positive throughout the campaign and have done themselves proud.”
He then went on to announce your new Vice Presidents (VPs);
For the role of VP (Sport) Gavin Rittoo was elected with 627 votes. He was unable to attend the results due to placement.
The next role was VP (Societies) and Martha Gilmore won with 581 votes.
For VP (Environment & Ethics) Gonzalo Lara De Leyva was elected with 544 votes. He was also unable to attend the event due to other commitments.
For VP (Entertainment & Events) Martin Thomson was elected with 603 votes. He too was unable to attend due to being on placement.
Jennifer Ritchie was elected with 313 votes for the role of VP (Wellbeing & Equal Opportunities).
The President roles were then announced;
First, was the role of President (Sport & Physical Activity) and Eilidh Paterson was elected with 748 votes. Eilidh was then invited to the mic to say a few words: “Thank you very much for this opportunity.”
Kerry Harrison was re-elected for the role of President (Education & Welfare) with 484 votes. When invited to the stage Kerry declined as she was too emotional and overwhelmed with the result to speak.
Finally, for the role of President (Communication & Democracy) Michael Ife was elected with 520 votes. He too was invited to the stage and said: “First and foremost, thanks to everyone who voted. We are all major winners and we are going to walk together.”
After the results were announced the Union was filled with a mixture of excitement and disappointment. But, overall, the candidates were happy for each other and looking forward to a well-deserved rest.
Edward Pollock, the current and outgoing President (Communications and Democracy) said: “I’m exhausted and relieved. I’m very proud of all the candidates and impressed so many people went for my role.”
In amongst all the excitement Radar got the opportunity to speak to some of the newly-elected Student Leaders to see how they felt about winning and how they planned on celebrating.
The new VP (Wellbeing & Equal Opportunities) Jennifer Ritchie said she felt: “Unexpectedly brilliant. I’m going to go out and celebrate.” She then added: “And call my Mum!”
Martha Gilmore, VP (Societies) said: “I don’t know it’s an amazing feeling, excited to get working on my manifesto aims.” When asked how she was going to celebrate she replied: “Just got plans to drink with some friends.”
The new President (Sports & Physical Activity) Eilidh Paterson said: “Not the most radical result but it was appreciated nonetheless.” She also explained that she appreciated every vote she got.
Kerry Harrison explained how it felt to be re-elected as President (Education & Welfare): “I have no idea right now. Relieved, so glad I get to do all the things I’ve had buzzing around my head.” She also said her plans were to: “Sleep. It’s been such a tiring week.”
Finally, the new President (Communication & Democracy) said: “Well I’m still feeling humbled and excited.” He then went on to say: “The celebrations are ahead.”
Well done to all the candidates who ran in the elections and congratulations to the new Student Leaders for 2017/18. It will be exciting to see their manifestos come into action in the new academic year.
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