Zöe Cummins has been reinstated on the ballot for the students’ union presidential race following a successful appeal.
In a statement to Trinity News this afternoon, President Gabi Fullam confirmed: “On Tuesday February 21, the Chair of the [Trinity College Dublin Students’ Union (TCDSU)] Sabbatical Board was asked by the Electoral Commission to convene the Appeals Board, which consists of parties external to the union. On Thursday February 23, The Appeals Board considered an appeal against a decision of the Electoral Commission.”
The statement confirmed that the Appeals Board ruled in favour of Cummins, who is now “restored as a candidate” in the election.
“Given that the electoral process is underway, no further comment will be made in relation to this matter.”
Article 7.4.2(e) of the TCDSU Constitution on Sabbatical Elections specifies that an Appeals Board shall be convened in the event of a candidate being struck from the ballot. The board considers evidence from both the Electoral Commission (EC) and the candidate before making a decision on the appeal.
Schedule 3, which is rewritten annually for each election, contains a separate process by which an elimination may be appealed at a meeting of Council. Cummins’ campaign team chose instead to follow the Appeals Board process which is constitutionally enshrined.
The president concluded the statement: “I would like to thank the Electoral Commission for their hard work in this election period so far.”
“I have total faith in the Electoral Commission’s ability to conduct this election, and ask that all candidates continue to comply with the Electoral Commission’s requests,” she continued. “Best of luck to all the candidates.”
Media Hustings will take place today in the Uí Chadhain Theatre at 2 pm.
Voting for this year’s elections will run online from February 28 to March 2. The outcome of the election will be announced on the evening of March 2.
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