By Isabel Daenah Manzanero | May 10, 2024
By Isabel Daenah Manzanero | May 10, 2024
LAST May 9, elections for the Student Executive Council (SEC) for the academic year 2024-2025 culminated through the official announcement of results on a Facebook livestream by Tatak Bedista TV. The Bedan Electoral Committee (BELCOM) held the elections via Google forms at the BalCruz hall from April 29 to 30 and resumed at the student lounge from May 2 to 4. The total Bedan voting population from the previous elections increased from 513 to 608 with 156 from first-year students, 199 from the second-years, 173 from the third-years, and 80 from the fourth-years.
The School of Business, Accountancy, and Management garnered the highest number of student voters with a total of 321 or 52.8%. Followed by the School of Arts, Sciences, and Education with 209 or 34.37%. As for the School of Engineering and Technology, a total of 78 or 12.83% votes were accumulated.
The results were validated and announced in the livestream by BELCOM Chairperson, Daniela Cronico (III-BSA). With a quota of 20% as set by the election code, candidates must obtain at least 292 votes with the exception of the Third-year level representative who has a quota of 62 votes.
Among the eight aspiring SEC officers, only three of them were elected. From the Bedistang Aktibong Naglilingkod (BedAN) Party, Madie Maitim (II-BACMS), a candidate for Public Relations Officer (PRO) did not reach the quota with 279 votes, the same goes with Shane Talusan (I-BSP) who was vying for Secretary with 246 votes, and with only 48 votes is their President, Kyle Justine Cruz (III-BSBA-MM). The two independent candidates also competing for the seat of presidency did not reach the quota with Joanna Marie Del Rosario (III-BACMS) obtaining 268 votes and Jules Mykel Reyes (III-BSBA-MM) with 239.
Beatrice Talayaratne (I-BAIS-T), the former First-year level Representative is elected as Auditor with a total vote of 369. "Marami pa akong kailangan matutunan," Talayaratne answered when asked about the challenges she anticipates. The newly elected Auditor expects a lot of criticisms and judgments from her lack of credentials in this field. However, she remains grateful to the Bedan community for trusting her again. She aims to continue learning and preparing to ensure a great school year with the community she aims to serve.
For Internal Vice President, Atassia Soliveres (III-BAIS) was elected with 301 votes. The results have left her feeling grateful, ecstatic and with a great sense of responsibility. She anticipates the lack of an elected president as a challenge with regards to the familiarity of each other's work ethic. But, also recognizes the importance of building and strengthening relationships with fellow officers. She aims to focus on her personal growth and put her plans into action for the betterment of the student body, "I will prioritize transparent communication methods to ensure accountability in our actions."
Margrethe Francisco (II-BSE), running for Third-year level Representative, reached the quota with 92 votes and was elected. As of press time, she has not given a statement due to a family emergency according to Talayaratne.
Regardless, if abstaining students outnumbered those who voted for the candidate, as long as they reached the quota, they shall be elected into position as was the case with Francisco with 105 abstentions and Soliveres who received 307.
In an interview during the livestream and with THE BEDAN HERALD, Cronico highlighted the importance of quota and how it cannot be removed for it lessens student apathy and it is within the by-laws of BELCOM. With the turn of events, there is a possibility that the quota would decrease, but it is still under discussion and evaluation of the organization. For the questions surrounding the special elections, it is targeted to take place during the first semester of the next academic year, considering the preparation of the candidates. According to her, candidates who did not win are still allowed to run and apply.
The disappearance of Archimedes Dingle (II-BSE), the ex-candidate for Treasurer also raises questions, however after BELCOM's discussion with Dingle, both parties decided not to disclose the case. Cronico remains satisfied and glad with the improvement from last year’s turnout, "It was better than we anticipated considering last year's [election]."
The positions of President, External Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, PRO, Fourth-year level Representative, and Second-year level Representative remain vacant and are open to those who are willing to prove themselves to serve the student body. The quota reminds the student body to practice their right to suffrage and cast their votes in the upcoming special elections.