Why the LASUSU IEC is Important and Why you should pay Attention
It’s a serious business in LASUSU
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It’s a serious business in LASUSU – this one thing the second semester is known for. I mean, why shouldn’t it be? It’s the process that produces the people that’ll steer the affair of over thirty thousand students next semester. It’s the LASUSU election.
To show you how serious this matter is, there is a body that is created solely for this function. This committee is the Independent Electoral Committee popularly known as the IEC. The committee comprises of two members from each faculty, and four members of the parliamentary council. The committee has a secretary and is headed by a chairman that is chosen by the speaker.
This body as the name implies is expected to be independent. They are supposed to function as a body not affiliated to any arm of the students’ government. Their decisions are supposed to be free from external motivations and interferences.
This body is supposed to be neutral and non-partisan. If they’ll conduct a free and fair election, there must not be any action that will suggest support for any candidate vying for any office. Their responsibility is simply to conduct a perfect election, follow the procedures laid down by the LASUSU constitution, and ensure there is a smooth transition from one administration to the next.
Now, this is the system, but systems are operated by people, and a perfect system in the hands of kakistocrats will suffer. If this body will perfectly perform its duties, then it has to be placed in the hands of the best individuals. We are however not unaware of the heavy politicking and permutations that goes into the creation of this body, especially for the role of the chairman. We usually see different interests try to be in control. It’s the reason for the intense moments we see during every transition sitting. You should attend the next one. You’ll get the perfect picture.
The appeal here is that our representatives lift their heads above the pressures that come with this season and fix their eyes on appointing neutral, deserving and sound people in this committee, and of course every other committee.
You see, this matter is serious so much so that different interests from office holders to office seekers and even past student politicians keep a very close eye on it, except of course a large number of students who simply don’t care. It is to this large number of students that today’s letter is directed to. It’s high time you knew and understood the processes that produce the people that governs you next session.
I know your next question.
Why should you care, and how does it affect your stay in school?
Relax. I’ll tell you why.
Now, this is where you should pay close attention.
The university is a microcosm of the society. You hear me say this all the time. It is that place where systems are birthed, practiced and translated to the wider society. It’s a training ground for not just the politicians but also the led. This is where all students are supposed to discover themselves, grow and evolve into mighty men that will help reengineer the realities of the wider society. It’s where prospective leaders learn the ropes of visionary and revolutionary leadership, and where the followers understand how to hold their leaders accountable. This is where you are supposed to learn how to get involved in politics. If you don’t learn it here, you’ll simply become apathetic in the real world. I understand that you are tired of the kind of leadership that is practiced in our climes, but that is not enough reason to back off. Become that leader you so desire, and while you do so, be interested in the present system and play your part. Get it?
Today’s newsletter fulfills the correlative function of the media, which is simply to educate the people. We’ve played our role, and we hope you play yours by becoming more interested.
Daniel Nworie, Editor, LASU Life Newsletter 🛩️
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Anticipate the Maiden Leadership Forum 2.0. Maiden Leadership Forum was established by the 32nd LASUSU Vice-president, Comrade Kelani Oladayo, to encourage political participation among the female gender and reduce political apathy among students. The next forum will be happening soon and will involve guest speakers doing remarkable things. To save a spot for yourself click here
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