Aryan Singh, a candidate for the presidency of the Carleton University Students’ Association (CUSA), is facing potential disqualification after violating the association’s Electoral Code, a CUSA decision says.
The disqualification decision will be referred to the association’s appeals committee for final decision and review. CUSA presidential candidate Maxwell Heroux is also facing potential disqualification following another recent decision.
In a statement to the Charlatan, Singh wrote that he and his campaign team “are still trying to gather appropriate facts and findings on this matter” to make an “informed decision” about whether they will appeal the ruling.
A complaint and video evidence against Singh’s campaign was reported on Feb. 4, chief returning officer Basit Ur Rehman wrote in a ruling released on Wednesday. “The video depicted election-related activity occurring inside the MacOdrum Library, a space designated as a prohibited campaigning area,” Ur Rehman said.
Ur Rehman found “beyond a reasonable doubt” that an individual encouraged electors to vote for Singh, observed electors’ voting screens and handled their device while casting a ballot.
He also found the individual’s conduct materially benefited Singh.
“I want to clarify that I did not authorize, direct or have prior knowledge of the incident,” Singh said. “I have not been presented with any evidence establishing that I or my campaign team had any connection to the individual or the actions shown.”
The findings violate the Electoral Code’s regulations on coercion, improper voter influence, failing to disclose campaign affiliation and conduct undermining the electoral process’s integrity, according to the ruling.
Singh was issued 17 demerit points for these major and minor violations. Under the association’s new electoral rules, a candidate will be disqualified if they receive 10 or more demerit points, lowered from the previous threshold of 15 demerit points.
Singh submitted a written response following a notice of complaint, “denying authorization, affiliation or knowledge of the individual shown in the video,” according to the ruling.
“I cooperated fully with the CRO’s review and provided all requested information,” Singh said. “I respect the electoral process and the rules governing it, and I take these matters seriously.
“Beyond this, I have no further comment.”
Singh was previously issued four demerit points for two minor electoral offences before the campaign period began, including failing to obtain approval for certain election-related materials, and publicly solicited campaign team members during the nomination period, according to a Jan. 19 decision.
CUSA presidential election results have been delayed “until all post-election appeal deadlines have passed and any required reviews have been completed,” according to a Tuesday post on the association’s Instagram.
Featured graphic by Sara Mizannojehdehi/the Charlatan
