KSU elections

In the coming weeks, the students at University will elect a new Students' Council (KSU), choosing between three student groups. The Chaplaincy welcomes this, except for any unnecessary rivalry which a competing spirit might fuel.

The Chaplaincy recalls the positive spirit of working together which the past years of KSU have achieved ever since the idea of 'Id f'Id ghalik' was born, in which all student organisations united together to form one council instead of dividing into factions. The Chaplaincy continues to be available to facilitate this or any similar process, as it has always done.

The Chaplaincy would like to thank all students who are participating in the KSU elections. It would like to encourage them to approach this time of elections with a spirit of service towards the student body. It also encourages those who win the elections to work with all the student organisations and consider all proposals made by the other groups contesting the elections.

Although it is legitimate and valid that the groups hold differing viewpoints, and often this leads to a creative diversity, this carries with it the risk that the polarisation which exists on a national level in Maltese politics, trickles down to foster a divisive atmosphere on campus.

Such a polarised way of thinking might blind students from seeing the real issues which are at stake at University and the persons who are running for election. This will hinder students from making the right evaluation of such issues and persons. The University Chaplaincy would thus like to propose just a few guiding principles.

Get informed. Three main elements which students should consider during the election process are: 1) the policies and issues which each group is proposing; 2) the persons contesting the elections; 3) the style in which the campaign is run. Each element should be considered separately but there should also be coherence between the three. It is important that every element is examined for the values of truth, justice and solidarity with those most in need.

Look for personal integrity. Students also have the opportunity to vote for individuals of personal integrity since the system in place is no longer that of block voting. Thus, one should avoid complying blindly with block votes.

Value the common good. Students are encouraged to look beyond simply their personal interests and look to what is the common good of the whole student population. They should also look for a concern for wider issues than those within the University such as housing, climate change, poverty and others.

The University Chaplaincy would like to encourage all University students to participate in the next elections for the Students' Council (KSU). It is one way in which they can contribute to a more activesociety rather than being armchair critics.