By Ogunleye Kolapo
As the second semester enters its crucial stages, campus election season is in full swing once again. For members of the Political Science Students’ Association (NAPSS UI) who are considering a run for departmental office, the constitution already lays out clear rules on who can contest, for what, and how the process works.
It is important to note that the embargo on electoral activities has not yet been lifted at the departmental level. This means no formal campaigning, screening, or election-related activity can begin until the relevant authority officially lifts the embargo. Interested members should use this period to prepare, not to canvass.
Here is a breakdown of what the constitution says, drawn from Article 21 (Electoral Commission) and Article 22 (Eligibility for Executive Offices).
WHO CAN CONTEST
Every candidate must have at least a Second Class Lower grade and must be a financial member of the department.
Positions of General Secretary, Financial Officer, Treasurer, Social Director, Sports Director, and Public Relations Officer are open only to 200 Level and 300 Level students.
Only the office of Assistant General Secretary can be contested by a 100 Level student.
The office of President is reserved for a candidate in their penultimate year of study, and the candidate must be of good character.
All candidates run independently in a general election conducted by a duly constituted electoral body.
HOW THE ELECTORAL PROCESS WORKS
The electoral committee is responsible for organizing elections and bye-elections, and for drawing up regulations that must be displayed publicly at least seven days before Election Day.
Members of the electoral committee cannot contest for any post or vote in the election they are conducting.
Candidates must file an application with the electoral committee, along with proof that they have met their financial obligations to the Association.
Candidates found eligible will present their manifestos on Manifesto Night.
Press Night is also mandatory for all candidates running for offices in the Executive Council. Any candidate who misses it without a tenable reason, communicated within 48 hours of the scheduled date, risks punishment up to forfeiture of candidacy.
A candidate may also withdraw from the election, but must communicate the decision in writing to the electoral committee no later than two days before Election Day.
Manifesto Night carries a particularly important consequence. A candidate who is absent from the event will be deemed to have withdrawn from the election, except where the absence is due to severe circumstances.
Voting is by secret ballot. Each voter must present an identity card, receipt of annual dues, or a course form and receipt to be allowed to vote.
A candidate wins by simple majority. In the event of a tie, a bye-election is arranged within three working days between the tied candidates.
Results are announced immediately after counting, in the presence of contestants or their agents.
SPECIAL RULE FOR AN UNOPPOSED PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE
A presidential candidate running unopposed must still garner at least 50 percent of total votes cast from two constituencies, and at least 25 percent from the other constituencies.
If this threshold is not met, a bye-election will be conducted in the affected constituencies.
ELECTION PETITIONS AND DISPUTES
The constitution also provides a mechanism for candidates who believe that an election has not been conducted properly.
A candidate may file an election petition with the Returning Officer no later than 24 hours after the election if they are dissatisfied with the outcome.
Where there is a case of electoral malpractice or irregularity, a four-man electoral tribunal is set up by the President, subject to Senate approval.
This means candidates who have concerns about the conduct or outcome of an election are expected to use the prescribed petition process rather than attempt to resolve disputes outside the established electoral framework.
OTHER THINGS TO NOTE
Tenure for any elected executive covers one academic session only.
Candidates should also understand that compliance with electoral requirements begins before Election Day. Financial obligations, eligibility requirements, attendance at mandatory electoral events, and other conditions set by the electoral committee can all affect a candidate’s participation.
Prospective aspirants are therefore advised to review their eligibility early and keep their financial standing with the Association up to date. They should also familiarize themselves with the electoral regulations once they are published.
