The right to a fair trial is paramount in any democracy — and should apply to Carleton as well.
When Bruce Kyereh-Addo’s appeal is heard at the constitutional board, he will not be facing a fair and balanced judge, as Brittany Smyth, current president of the Carleton University Students’ Association (CUSA), will be chairing the board.
Smyth has already publicly claimed, through Facebook, that “Erik Halliwell is [her] president” and that “It’s not a win if you cheated,” in reference to Kyereh-Addo’s claims.
These comments clearly outline which side of the fence Smyth sits on. Mike Wiseman has resigned from the
constitutional board for this appeal because he felt his role on the electoral board, which heard Kyereh-Addo’s first appeal, biased his judgment.
Unfortunately Smyth does not see a conflict of interest and no one else can force her to step down. According to the CUSA constitution, the individual must decide if there is a conflict of interest and step down. This needs to be changed.
Smyth should have been neutral through the elections and the appeals not only because of the need for neutrality in her role as chair of the constitutional board, but also because she is CUSA president. The president should represent students and should be willing to work with whichever president students elected.
That is why it is necessary that the current CUSA president not declare her candidate allegiances for one person or slate, regardless of friendships.
Smyth has already made up her mind that Halliwell, current vice-president (student issues), is president and Kyereh-Addo is a cheater.
Appearance of bias or conflict of interest is just as significant as actual bias. However, in this case it is quite clear and the chair should step down.