The University of Jordan (UJ) on Thursday, April 19, elected a new Students’ Union, recording a 45.24 per cent turnout.
The lists that received the majority of votes at the university level were Al Nashama, winning 9 seats, and Ahl Al Himmeh which won 6 seats, Al Awda, obtaining three seats, and Al Tajdeed (Renewal Bloc) one seat.
The number of students eligible to vote this year was 41.269 and the number of candidates was 450, including 174 candidates within 95 lists at the school level and 64 runners within 4 lists at the university level.
Prof. Omar Kafawin, UJ Vice President and head of the Supreme Elections Committee said the total number of seats is 105; 87 seats at school level and 18 seats at the university level.
Each school is considered an electoral district or a voting district, and must be represented with at least three members.
During the Election Day, UJ President Prof. Azmi Mahafzah visited the polling stations to observe the quality of the voting process and to ensure everything follow the required standards.
Mahafzah said UJ will continue and even strengthen the democratic process and work to expand student participation, emphasizing the role of youth as the leaders of the future who will bring about positive change.
"Raqeb" Initiative
On a related issue, students who were taking part as observers - as part of an initiative dubbed "Raqeb" (Observe) - were given training by the National Centre for Human Rights (NCHR) on election observations and code of conduct for observers.
The students were taught on the voting requirements and the role and responsibilities of observers.
Students' Union Oath
The 105 newly elected members of the University of Jordan (UJ) Students' Union took the oath before President Mahafzah on Thursday, April 26.
They pledged to be loyal to the king, the nation and the University, and to serve their colleagues and abide by the University's policies and regulations.
In his address at sworn-in ceremony, Mahafzah expressed pride in the students and their efforts for the success of the elections, urging them to continue to lead the positive change.
He stressed the administration's keenness to provide all forms of support to the new Students' Union in the service of the students and the university.
The ceremony was attended by Vice President and Head of Higher Elections Committee Prof. Omar Kafawin, Dean of Student Affairs Dr. Khaled Attiyat, members of the committee and a number of senior officials at the University.