Before this year’s race for the Carleton University Students Association’s presidency even began, a prospective candidate violated the student union Electoral Code, according to a CUSA decision.
Aryan Singh, a computer and systems engineering student and prospective presidential candidate, was issued four demerit points for two “minor electoral offences,” chief returning officer Basit Ur Rehman wrote in his ruling.
Ur Rehman charged that Singh “publicly solicited campaign team members during the nomination period.”
Prospective candidates are not allowed to begin organizing their campaign publicly before the official campaign begins but may do so privately, according to guidelines from the CRO.
Ur Rehman’s decision also found that Singh “failed to obtain prior approval from the CRO for certain election-related materials and platforms, as required.”
Under the new rules, a candidate will be disqualified if they receive 10 or more demerit points — lowered from the previous threshold of 15 demerit points.
In a statement to the Charlatan, Singh said his “priority has always been to run this election journey in the most compliant, fair and respectful manner possible.”
The Electoral Code, which was updated at a November CUSA council meeting, is a “detailed and extensive document,” that he has been trying to follow “as carefully as possible,” Singh added.
“Any missteps were unintentional and occurred while navigating the updated code,” he said. “At no point was there an intention to gain an unfair advantage or act outside of the regulations.”
While he was “disappointed by the penalties,” Singh said he respected the CRO’s duty to ensure a fair election and was committed to cooperation.
“I view this as a learning opportunity and remain committed to adjusting my approach to fully align with the code moving forward.”
The campaign period for the presidential race officially begins Monday at 9 a.m., according to CUSA.
Featured graphic by Sara Mizannojehdehi/the Charlatan
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