WITH the Central Student Council (CSC) elections in the horizon, the UST Central Commission on Elections (Comelec) has accredited two University-wide political parties, but cancelled the registration of another.
In a resolution released last Jan. 19, the Central Comelec said Lakas Tomasino Coalition (LTC) and Lakas ng Diwang Tomasino were able to comply with the requirements set by the UST Students’ Election Code of 2011, despite the late submission of party registration documents.
Both parties were given two days after the Nov. 27, 2015 deadline to complete the requirements. However, Lakasdiwa failed to meet the minimum number of members required by the election code. Upon consultation with the Central Comelec En Banc, Lakasdiwa was allowed to meet the membership requirement up to Dec. 7, 2015.
“Lakas ng Diwang Tomasino… is hereby accredited as a political party on the condition that two days will be deducted from [its] campaign period,” the resolution stated.
Lakasdiwa Central Chairperson Bianca De Ramos said their accreditation is a manifestation of their commitment to the political party’s beliefs and principles.
“It’s overwhelming for Lakasdiwa to be accredited this year. Despite the setbacks we have faced, we Lakasdiwa remain competent and true to its beliefs and principles,” De Ramos said in an interview with the Varsitarian.
Meanwhile, LTC Chairperson Annika Alcala said accreditation was just one of the things they would like to achieve.
Central Comelec Chairwoman Alyssa Arreola, however, said the date of the filing of candidacies is yet to be finalized.
“We’re working on another resolution regarding the final dates,” Arreola said.
Aklas registration cancelled
Due to its failure to “field official candidates in the last two preceding elections,” the registration of Alyansa ng Kristyanong Lakas (Aklas) party was cancelled by the Central Comelec.
This was in compliance with the requirement of fielding bets for two consecutive years under Section 9, Article 5 of the election code the student poll body said.
“As a political science student, tama lang naman ang ginawa ng [Central] Comelec, since they are only upholding and implementing the student’s code,” Aklas Chairperson Marvin Olid said in an interview.
Last year, Lakas Tomasino and Aklas were denied accreditation for failing to submit the required documents, leaving Lakasdiwa as the sole accredited University-wide political party.
