The Georgetown University Student Association voted Tuesday night to certify the results of last week’s executive election. Brian Morgenstern (CAS ‘05) and Steve de Man (CAS ‘04) were sworn in as the assembly’s new president and vice president.
The certification vote was made amid controversy concerning flawed electronic ballots and allegations of improper campaigning by two of the three tickets.
Election Commissioner Ramya Murali (SFS ‘03) presented the results to the assembly. “We have deemed this election both fair and legitimate,’ she said.
Around 20 students attended the meeting to voice concerns. Many felt that not all students were given an equal opportunity to vote.
“I do not personally believe that the election was legitimate. There were too many loopholes in how it was decided,” said Yana Miles (CAS ‘05), one of the students in attendance. Another student said he never even received a ballot.
“If people felt the process was tarnished, they should have contacted GUSA on the day of the election by 8 p.m.,” Murali said.
Even with these concerns raised, the assembly voted seven to five to certify the results. Rob Hutton (SFS ‘04), an assembly member and disqualified presidential candidate, abstained due to conflict of interest.
“There was no proof that these people were deliberately disenfranchised. Without proof, there is no way to see that the election was illegitimate” GUSA assembly member Ed Shelleby (CAS ‘04) said.
The meeting ended with the swearing-in of Morgenstern and de Man. “I’m glad people came out to voice their concerns,” Morgenstern said. “Steve and I are disappointed that controversy surrounded our election but we see a great benefit in the fact that people felt passionate enough to come out and show their concern.”
Morgenstern’s first action as GUSA president was to announce the creation of an Election Reform Working Group that will convene promptly after Spring Break.
