The Student Elections Commission at Boston University released a public apology Wednesday, citing a lack of organization and information in overseeing Student Government elections.
SG president Aditya Rudra said the apology was appreciated and is a step in the right direction.
“We can’t hold elections without the SEC,” Rudra, a School of Management junior, said. “We rely on them and we are very happy to see that they are ready to hold elections.”
SEC officials apologized for recent shortcomings in the Wednesday release.
“We seek, at every turn, to ensure that the student body is satisfied with our services,” the release stated. “Regrettably we have not met the standards that we have set for ourselves, let alone those of the student body, and for that we are truly sorry.
“We are committed to rectifying this situation and to conduct a fair and productive election for the Student Government Executive Board.”
SEC officials were not available for comment at press time.
In the spring 2012 semester, SG officials voted to change the election cycle to a calendar-year format instead of an academic-year format. During the fall 2012 semester, the SG Judicial Committee nullified the timeline changes after deeming the process by which changes were made to be unconstitutional.
The SEC had its share of controversy for its handling of SG elections and response to the timeline changes.
On Oct. 9, SG passed a vote of confidence in the SEC by a one-vote margin.
After concerns were raised, SG voted to hold a special one-term election in November, after which a normal academic-year election cycle would resume with spring 2013 elections.
SG elections in both spring and fall 2012 were uncontested, which some felt raised legitimacy concerns.
Rudra said the SEC is moving toward establishing an official election timeline.
“They are working to figure out an new election schedule,” he said. “We might even see the start of campaigns late next week.”
Saurabh Mahajan, SG spokesman and director of advocacy, said SG has no issues with the SEC despite past problems.
“There isn’t any bad blood between Student Government and the SEC,” Mahajan, a College of Arts and Sciences freshman, said. “What we really want from here forward is to not focus necessarily on what’s happened in the past, and instead turn our focus and the focus of the student body toward engagement in this upcoming election.”
Mahajan said the main priority of SG and the SEC is to promote strong elections.
“What we care about more than anything else is that students know who will be leading them for the next year, and that the student body is participating in making that decision,” he said. “Students have a lot of power through these elections — the executive board sets the entire direction for the following year, and what they decide to pursue or not pursue has a significant impact on the future of this campus.”
Although an official timeline was not established, the SEC release stated members are working to develop one.
“We have reached out to the current leaders of Student Government, the Dean of Students Office and other concerned bodies to confirm a modified timeline for the approaching election cycle,” the release stated.
SEC officials aim to ensure a proper election takes place before the end of the semester, according to the release.
“We are taking steps to provide you, the student body, with the election that you deserve,” the release stated. “Please accept our sincerest apologies as we commit to taking immediate action to provide a strong election.”
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