Albert Camilleri, Mellieha
The problem of student apathy at University
Ever since the 'censorship' saga began, the University of Malta started getting the attention it deserves.
This attention was misplaced, but it was recognition nonetheless. Then, there was the annual KSU general meeting and the election which followed, both covered by newspapers, TV and radio. Again, the media projected the University as some kind of partisan battleground.
I am not going to delve into the censorship debate, as I believe enough has been said on this. Instead, I will comment on this year's KSU election 'failures'. Since Pulse, the main opponent of Studenti Demokristjani Maltin (SDM), decided not to contest the elections, it became apparent to many that even if there was to be an election, it was going to be just a formality.
Many had indeed predicted a low turnout, even lower than the actual figure. In the end, 1,836 students voted out of a total student population of roughly 13,000, which is about 15 per cent.
To put things in perspective, last year's turnout was around 2,800, or almost 22 per cent of the student population. This is very low by national election standards, but compare well with the low turnouts for European Parliament elections in countries like Slovakia (17 per cent) and Poland (21 per cent).
Those saying that this year's KSU elections are not valid because of the low turnout should look at the turnout other countries.
European and State matters are becoming increasingly decided on turnouts of less than a fifth of the population. That's just the way it is.
This does not make elections invalid in any way.
Having said that, the University Students' Council (KSU) should make higher voter turnout one of its top priorities. Simply amending the electoral system is not the only solution. The problem of University apathy goes much deeper.
Changing the electoral system will not bring about a higher turnout or suddenly get University students more involved in campus affairs.
It is not only in elections that apathy dominates. It can sadly be seen in many of the work done by student organisations, in the countless debates and events held in University and in the general lack of 'campus life' of Maltese students.
How can this be tackled? One way is to further build on the new 'degree-plus' system; the promotion of student organisations and their valid work, and make sure that the University in general gets more media coverage.
In short, we have to stop treating the University like a school, and its students like schoolchildren.
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C.Cassar
Apr 26th 2010, 13:09
More apologies from SDM activists, go and tell it to the marines
Jonathan Galea
Apr 25th 2010, 19:55
What?? How is it obvious that our activities are funded by "the one and only Joseph"? Can you give us proof of that? Indeed, I don't know if you know already Ms. Bartolo, since you seem omniscient and all that, but our activities are funded by events such as student parties and seminars and all that... do you honestly think that we whistle and money comes flowing in? Far from that - we wish that such a thing happened, really; money is the only limit on our work for the students.
Time and time again, we assure every student at University and Junior College that we are not affiliated with ANY political party in Malta; sharing an ideology is not the same as belonging to a particular party. Time and time again, misinformed students such as you keep mud-slinging arbitrarily and honestly, most students are sick of the same old cock-and-bull story from SDM members
ABOLISH PARTY POLITICS FROM UNIVERSITY!!! We students are sick of this nonsense!
Oh, and about the colours used in the leaflet... what? Did you invent the colour blue? Do you have a copyright claim on it? Sorry if you do.
Jane Bartolo
Apr 25th 2010, 15:58
If Pulse are seriously concerned with "partisan interference in student politics" can they start by providing audited accounts in their AGM? Can they start by adopting a more transparent approach and on how their activities are funded? I'm not one of the most active students at university, but still it is blatantly obvious that their activities are funded by the one and only, Joseph.
Their recent stint on an "electoral reform" was hilarious, to put it mildly. I was personally stopped by one of their 'elves', and they seriously tried to convince me that they wanted an "independent KSU"... OH PLEASE... there can be no independence where there are elections!! I am voting for someone based on the things he is promising, whether it is a set of values, or some projects. The values they got elected on, automatically make them biased!
The use of colours, and that pulse is only mentioned once (in size 8 font, at the back of the flier, in faint print) on their flyer is also ridiculous! Where's their identity gone? What are they trying to say? Are they trying to project themselves as a group they're not? Come on, some answers please!
M Cassar
Apr 25th 2010, 11:37
Changing the electoral system may not be enough, this does not puf off the need to start with the system used in KSU to open up for participation and new ideas.
Mr Camilleri is right: we need to invest in lots of innotvative concepts on campus and throughout our educational system. However it must be noted that we cannot introduce and implement these concepts when we have a system that cannot accomodate for inclusion and participation from the beginning.
Pulse did not contest the election, however it was only Pulse who took the initiative to start addressing this issue seriously. For instance I don't really symphatise with Pulse ideology, however do really agree with them against partisan interference in student politics.