The Great Ife Students’ Union Electoral Commission has announced the lifting of the election ban and commencement of campaigns for the forthcoming Students’ Union Elections – (CEC, SRC & HEC).
This was contained in a statement released on Tuesday 11th of June, 2024, signed by the Chairman, Ògúnpérí Taofeek Olálékan, and General Secretary, Olayinka Damilare Enoch, of the commission.
The release pointed out four campaigning guidelines for the contestants
1. Eligibility Criteria
a. Contestants MUST be registered students of the university for the 2021/2022 academic session.
b. Contestants running for the positions within CEC and SRC must have completed AT LEAST ONE ACADEMIC SESSION in the university.
2. Campaign Guidelines
a. Campaigns should focus on issues and be centered around each contestant’s proposed solution(s). No one contesting should engage in a political campaign or slogan tainted with abusive language. Used directly or indirectly in any way likely to cause physical, psychological, religious, ethnic, or sectional feelings against another contestant, the contestant found wanting in this regard may stand disqualified.
b. Colored posters are not allowed to be used by contestants.
c. Contestants are prohibited from writing or posting bills on walls, water tanks, and roads.
3. Prohibition of Harassment
Contestants and their supporters must refrain from harassment during the election process. Harassment is any action or behavior intended to intimidate, coerce, or harm others.
4. Contestants who are Incumbents
All current office holders, whether in the CEC, HEC, or SRC, who are contesting positions must hand over all properties of the Students’ Union in their possession, including keys to their offices. This measure protects sensitive election materials and promotes a level playing field for all contestants.
According to the release, these rules complement the provisions of the sacrosanct constitution of the Students’ Union, Obafemi Awolowo University. The Electoral Commission will strictly enforce these rules to ensure the integrity of the elections and provide equal opportunities for all contestants. Any breach of these rules will result in penalties, including, but not limited to, immediate disqualification or any other sanction determined by the Electoral Commission.
The release further stated that the election timetable and ancillary directives will be made available very soon.