Kofi Inkoom
The Dean of Students Affairs at the University of Ghana has rejected the proposal for “online on-site” elections, leading to a buzz of discussions among students. The university’s SRC electoral commission had initially planned to introduce this new voting method following the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions. However, the decision did not sit well with the Dean, and her rejection has raised eyebrows and sparked debates regarding the cost and convenience of student elections.
The announcement of the election budget, which amounted to almost 80 thousand Ghana cedis, quickly caught the attention of both students and social media users. The exorbitant amount triggered a wave of outrage, with many expressing disbelief that student elections should come with such a hefty price tag. As opinions swirled, the Dean’s rejection of the proposed “online on-site” format only added fuel to the fire.
Before the electoral commission’s decision to hold the elections online and on-site, the Dean of Students Affairs had already issued a communique advocating for all university elections to be conducted online and offsite. The aim was to provide students with the flexibility to cast their votes from the comfort of their respective halls and hostels, or any location of their choice. This vision clashed with the proposed “online on-site” format, leading the Dean to voice her concerns. Picture below.
The Dean’s Stand:
In an interview on Campus Exclusives, a popular program on Radiouniverse, the Dean firmly expressed her opposition to the “online on-site” elections. She questioned the need for an expensive voting method that would cost students six times the budget of the previous year’s elections. Her stance was not only driven by financial considerations but also took into account the majority of candidates who had anticipated the elections to be conducted online and offsite.
The Budget Conundrum:
Apart from the clash of visions, the election budget itself became a focal point of contention. Students and aspirants alike were concerned about the financial burden imposed on the student body. The prospect of incurring substantial costs in a format they hadn’t anticipated raised eyebrows and fueled further discussions. The disagreement over the budget further solidified the Dean’s rejection of the “online on-site” proposal.
The rejection of the “online on-site” elections by the Dean of Students Affairs has ignited a spirited debate at the University of Ghana. Students and social media enthusiasts are actively discussing the cost, convenience, and feasibility of this proposed voting method. As the university community waits to see how the situation unfolds, it is evident that student elections hold significant importance and that the voices of all stakeholders must be taken into consideration when making decisions that affect the student body.