THE CENTRAL Commission on Elections (Comelec) dismissed Lakas Tomasino Coalition’s (Lakas) protest that sought the nullification of election results from the College of Nursing last month following the misprinting of ballots.
In a resolution dated March 7, the Comelec dismissed the protest for “lack of merit” and finally declared Alyansa ng Kristiyanong Lakas (Aklas) standard bearer John Voltaire Almeda as Central Student Council (CSC) president together with party mates Catherine Airis Pastoral, Marivic Laurel, and Marcelo Philippe Ramirez as secretary, auditor, and public relations officer, respectively.
Last Feb. 19, Lakas filed a complaint after the Nursing Comelec opted to continue the CSC elections despite calling off its local elections. As a result, Lakas claimed that more than 800 students were disenfranchised, believing that the CSC elections had also been called off.
But the Comelec said most students were able to vote.
“60.80 per cent ‘yung kabuuang bilang ng humalal sa (College of) Nursing,” said Nina Asuncion, Comelec secretary. “Twenty-five per cent lang ang talagang kailangan para maging katanggap-tanggap ‘yung mga boto.”
The Comelec also proclaimed Lakas vice-president Gracen Anteola and treasurer James Domingo as winners.
But Lakas standard bearer Christer Gaudiano, who lost by over 600 votes, said his party might challenge the Comelec decision.
“If we find that the decision lacks substance, we will still file a subsequent (complaint),” Gaudiano said.
The new officers are set to assume office on April 1.
