With students returning from the September 2023 recess, the University can provide an update on the Student Representative Council (SRC) elections. Firstly, we wish to express our sincere gratitude to all students who actively engaged in the electoral process, exercising their democratic right to vote and thereby contributing to the selection of student representatives. Additionally, we extend our thanks to the Independent Electoral Committee (IEC) and the Independent Monitoring Body (IMB) for their dedicated oversight of the process. Both the IMB and the IEC are chaired by independent professionals, and the IMB holds the exclusive authority to declare the elections as free and fair.

Furthermore, the University takes note of the report presented by the Independent Monitoring Body which confirms the elections were free and fair. However, the IMB has referred eight candidates to the disciplinary process for alleged contravention of the election rules. These disciplinary processes have not yet been concluded. Any allegations against individual candidates will be addressed in accordance with the University's policies.

The final results can only be released after the proper processes have been followed and then final allocation of the portfolios will be made. We regret the delay but our goal is to ensure the democratic election of responsible student representatives who will effectively serve the interests of the student body.

In the interim, the current UP SRC will continue to fulfil its responsibilities until the end of its term in December 2023. The new SRC’s terms will commence in 2024.

We reiterate our unwavering commitment to upholding the principles of fairness, integrity, and democratic governance in all aspects of student representation.