Graduates Students Union (GSU) President candidate John Tighe has raised concerns over “serious irregularities” in the counting of votes in GSU sabbatical elections.
Results of the elections were due to be released at 12pm today. The University Times reported that delays were due to Oversight Officer David Donohue “writing an analysis” of the results, which is “standard practice” in the union. Donohue did not specify the nature of the analysis.
On his official campaign Twitter page, Tighe wrote at 1:45pm that “these are some serious irregularities with the results, and there are serious questions that need to be answered”.
Speaking to Trinity News, Tighe expressed his frustration with the delay saying “if they said the results should be out at midday, they should be out at midday”.
It’s not fair on the candidates mental health, as waiting for results can be an anxious time” he continued.
“I have sat on the EC [Electoral Commission] as chair on two separate occasions, and on neither occasion did I write out any sort of analysis before producing the results.”
Tighe also labelled Donohue’a decision to write an analysis before releasing the results as “most irregular”
“I have sat on the EC as chair on two separate occasions, and on neither occasion did I write out any sort of analysis before producing the results.”
At time of writing, no results have been published.
Tighe, who previously served as the union’s Oversight Officer, is running against incumbent president Gisele Scanlon.
After a controversial EGM in April, two separate petitions were launched calling for votes of no confidence in Scanlon and Vice President Abhisweta Bhattacharjee. Bhattacharjee is seeking re-election unopposed.
Trinity News has contacted Donohue, Scanlon, and Bhattacharjee for comment.
