By Aminata Phidelia Allie
The Public Relations Officer of the University of Sierra Leone has disclosed that the administrations of the constituent colleges of the University have decided to "postpone indefinitely" the conduct of students' union elections originally scheduled for June.
Speaking to Politico, Lola Aforo said that "as much as the administrations want students' governments to exist, we can't afford the losses that come with their elections."
She dismissed rumours that the students' union had been banned, but was quick to add thus: "I'm however not sure of an election this year".
She said they had been holding consultative meetings with the various heads of the constituent colleges to decide on a way forward regarding the elections, adding that they would ensure students got representative bodies, "which would be done by selecting people who will act as tentative students' union governments."
One of the presidential candidates of the now cancelled election at Fourah Bay College, Alimamy Sultan Koroma expressed disappointment over the decision by the administration. He however said that he understood their position.
Koroma said that while it was improper for the students to go a whole year without a government because "their voices need to be heard", the administration had a point in suspending the elections which was "growing too hot." He expressed the hope that the body selected by the administration would be interested in the welfare of students.
However, a rival candidate, Regina Mondeh said she was against the idea of the college administration selecting a students' government for them because "that is not an answer to the problem of student violence during elections".
She said the formation of an interim government would create more problems and confusion, pointing out that a previous experiment failed because of the suspicion both political camps had for each other. She said the elections could be conducted if the administration limited campaign activities and ensured adequate security during the polling process.
Students who spoke to Politico on condition of anonymity also gave mixed messages. One group of students said they were not happy about the suspension because they needed "a strong government" to put their grievances across. They said a selected students' representative body was not the answer to the election violence and suggested that the administration tighten security around campus whenever there was an election.
They pointed out that an unelected students' body "imposed" on them by the administration could not replace an SU government that was "democratically elected". They referred to the suspension of the election as "an infringement on our right to vote and be voted for in a democratic and literate society."
But another group said they were happy about the suspension and "would have been happier if it was banned." They said the elections had caused so much chaos and distraction on campus and a break in lectures as most students, especially ladies, were "afraid for their safety on campus."
They appealed to the administration to sustain the suspension and probably to conduct the elections "during the holidays."
Reaction could not be sought from other constituent college students.
(C) Politico 04/07/13
