Results of the Carleton University Students’ Association (CUSA) presidential election are delayed amid “a lengthy process of investigating complaints and hearing appeals,” the association said in an Instagram post on April 4.
Voting for the CUSA president closed the evening of Feb. 6.
CUSA has not publicized details of the complaints or publicized an estimate of when the results will be released.
“The appeals board has rendered a decision,” the association said. “However there was a claim that a factual error was made and this claim is in the process of being reviewed.
“Ombuds services has been briefed and is being consulted with the support of our legal counsel.”
Two presidential complaints are detailed on CUSA’s website.
The first, released on Feb. 6, alleges candidate Nagam Abuihmaid violated CUSA’s electoral code, made defamatory and false statements about other candidates, used verbal voter intimidation tactics and gave rewards to students in exchange for votes.
Abuihmaid has been given seven demerit points.
If a candidate receives 15 demerit points, they are disqualified from the electoral campaign.
This will reduce Abuihmaid’s campaign expense reimbursements by 30 per cent, according to section 74 of the electoral code.
In a previous statement to the Charlatan, Abuihmaid said she recognizes the complaints made against her campaign and had told her campaign members not to “be doing anything of that sort” both before the campaign and after she learned of the complaints.
“Much of what you describe, from chocolates to comments that made certain people uncomfortable, were the actions of a specific individual who isn’t on my campaign team,” she said. “This person asked for people to vote for me without my supervision, consent or endorsement.”
“I do not condone any of those actions,” she said. “I know of no rumours spread by my campaign or volunteers.”
The second complaint, lodged against candidate Chas Nuhn for allegedly bribing voters while tabling, was dismissed and found not to be an electoral offence.
“CUSA understands the importance of the election results to the presidential candidates who remain in a state of uncertainty and to the student body who deserve to know who will lead their association in the year ahead,” the association added.
“While we recognize the urgency of the matter, our foremost commitment is to uphold due process and release results that are accurate, transparent and respectful of everyone involved.”
Featured graphic by Sara Mizannojehdehi
