These sets of elections are going to be very different to those gone by. That is not in question.
What does seem to be in question is where they will be won and lost. Flash mobs proved to be fruitless last year, fancy graphics are desired but unnecessary and, with the new budgetary restrictions, consumables in any significant quantity will probably be a thing of the past.
Positions on next year’s Executive will be won and lost on the social networks, in the media and in face-to-face discussions with Loughborough’s 16,000 students. I fear many candidates haven’t yet grasped these facts.
But not only this, there hasn’t been one candidate that has yet capitalized on the potential head start that can be garnered by utilizing the new ‘declaration of intent’ regulation. There have been no statements aside from quotes given to this publication, no significant social network activity and, on the whole, huge missed opportunities.
Legwork, quantifiable manifesto pledges, consistency and clarity will be crucial.
Yes, campaigning cannot yet begin. February 18 is still three weeks away. But with little more than a week of effective official campaigning time in Ali Cole’s reformed electoral system, limited time has been provided for the best to shine and the weakest to be exposed.
Now the exam period is drawing to a close, executive candidates must take the bull by the horns. Timing is crucial. But silence and secrecy is counter-productive.
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