Following the barrage of attack ads and smear campaigns we were subjected to during the federal election campaigns, students can sit tight for round two with AMS and rector elections just around the corner. We have four teams and four candidates for the respective elections, which means many class talks and much soliciting of votes.
It is refreshing to see a female candidate running for rector. It adds diversity to the choices and provides a different perspective. In the history of the position, there have been but three female rectors.
In past AMS executive election campaigns, we have heard slogans about raising the bar, cracking the clique, and choosing a new style of student government. Unfortunately, many of these slogans have led us down a deceptive road of broken promises, leaving us feeling disappointed and thoroughly unsatisfied.
Although it’s too early to say which teams will come out of the starting blocks first, we can say what we hope to see from them. While catchphrases and carefully arranged campaign posters might garner attention, they won’t necessarily guarantee votes.
Teams should try to focus on feasible objectives rather than flights of fancy that simply won’t take off, but sound exciting. Unfortunately, the impetus behind using such tactics is the reality that they often work. As a student body, we need to show them that gimmicks aren’t enough. As with the federal election, candidates need to demonstrate a genuine interest in the lives of their voters rather than trying to stick to a rehearsed platform. That said, however, candidates also need to be well-informed about campus issues and have a well-organized campaign, as these reflect the kind of government we can expect from them.
The AMS executive and rector election period can be a grueling few weeks for candidates. We only hope that they do not lose sight of the reasons they are running and clearly convey these reasons to the rest of the student populace.
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