NASS Election; Does E-Voting System Make Any Difference?

By Oladipo Oluwapelumi

The National Association of science students in Adekunle Ajasin university adopted  an e-voting system as they trooped out in thousands to exercise their franchise on whom to paddle the canoe of the association at the just concluded Nass election today.

The election which was slated to hold by 11:00am kicked off at exactly 11:30pm due to availability of some agent. Security personnel were also present to ensure strict compliance to rules and regulations as well as criteria for voting by students. Only 200 level students alongside the graduating students were eligible to vote. The criteria for voting was either with a valid school I.D card or an updated course form.

According to information gathered by echo media's correspondent, the election ended on a transparent note as the electoral chairman declared D-math as the president elect having polled a total vote of 877 to defeat his opponent VIBRANCY  with a total vote of 552.

The chairman  of the electoral committee, Mr Ajio Omojogun  Gabriel appreciated God for the success of the election as the committe were able to address the agitation of students.

 He said, "We thank God for the success of the election. It has not been easy but we learnt from the previous election as to improve and strategise on how to make the election hitch free and prevent any chaotic situation. 

He also added that the election was free, fair and flexible due to the e-voting system that was embraced. It helped to curb any form of electoral malpractice  that might be instigated by some students during the election.

The total number of 1442 votes was recorded out of the 3148 expected eligible voters.

"We decided not to project the election counts to the public because of the variability it can cost as we understand the agitation of the students."

Mr Ajio further congratulated all aspirants for the brave step they took and encouraged them to see NASS as a family and work together for the greatness of the association.

"The election is a game and in every game there must be a winner and a loser. The process of winning an election is politics and once the election is over, such politics ends and all individuals involved have to work together as one. For the fact that one is a loser does not mean that is idea is inferior. It shows how popular or how one can play his/her politics.

I will advise them to see the NASS as a family, as brothers and sisters working together for the greatness of the association."

In an interview with the outgoing president, Comrade Oloyede Zaccheaus pka zeahkman, he expressed his amazement over the massive turn out of student at the ICT center to cast their vote as well as the E-voting system employed which was the second time of its adoption.

He said, "I am so amazed at the massive turn out of student and it is a great joy to me that students from the faculty of science are now politically conscious."

"Everyone is a winner but some set of people have to emerge due to massive support from students based on personal interest. I hereby urge all aspirants to work hand in hand towards uniting NASS.

While speaking with some students regarding the just concluded election, Tomiwa, a student from the department of Biochemistry said, "the just concluded election was a shout out as the processes were peaceful. The only hindrance was the scorching sun but it did not stop the electorates from casting their votes.

Speaking with the Student Union P.R.O who is also the outgoing PRO for the faculty of science, Comrade Asimbi from the department of Biochemistry, he said, "The election was free and fair as no casualty was recorded".

The caucus leader for the faculty of science, Sen. Edok from the department of Animal and Environmental Biology stated that the election went well and there was no cause for alarm as students were allowed to vote.