UWI students vote for new Guild Council

Voting began at 8 am at the JFK auditorium, and was expected to end at 8 pm. Results should be announced within 24 hours of the close of the polls.

From a slate of 11 nominees for the post of president, only four names were on the ballot paper actually contesting the post. They were Fallon Lutchmansingh, Ravi Ratiram, Vijay Bhagwat and Rodney Jaglal. A total of 38 candidates are contesting the 14 positions which will form the Guild Council. The student population of 15,000 was eligible to vote.

When Newsday visited the campus shortly after the start of voting yesterday morning, returning officer Anthony Jackman said voting was extremely slow. He attributed the slow start to classes in progress. He expected a rush after lunch and into the afternoon, as there are no classes on Thursday afternoons which are dedicated for student activities.

Jackman said he had a support staff including presiding and deputy presiding officers, and things were proceeding smoothly. When Newsday returned after lunch, a line had formed with dozens of students waiting to vote. Only officials and those students voting were allowed inside the auditorium. A UWI police officer stood watch outside, ensuring an orderly procedure, while an official allowed voters inside according to the faculties to which they belonged.

The boys from Canada Hall, all dressed in blue and led by their representative "Lingus," created a stir as they arrived in a group of about 40 to vote.

While no major incidents were reported, Newsday sources said one supporter of a presidential candidate was seen sporting a t-shirt with the candidate’s name emblazoned across it. The display was brought to the attention of Jackman. Supporters of the candidate feared he might be disqualified.

The students were expected to gather on campus last night for the counting of the ballots. At Wednesday’s candidates forum, Jackman said the candidates were very entertaining and good in their pre-election speeches. The guild elections were postponed from March 22 to yesterday, after allegations of financial impropriety were made.

An audit is currently being conducted by auditing firm KPMG.