Although Comelec as we know it was only formalized in the late 80’s, elections in the Ateneo have been alive nonetheless.

1929 – First meeting of Student Council; No Comelec yet, each class votes for their representatives and are approved by the Jesuits.

1949 – Student Council is revived.

1950 – Election code adopted; elections by secret ballot.

1952 – Reviving the Supreme Student Council (today’s Central Board); Committee of elections was composed of graduating seniors.

1953 – First elections for the Supreme Student Council; Four offices to be filled: President, VP, Treasurer & Secretary.

Secret ballots and precinct system established with elections held during class time.

1958 – First candidate requirements are set; average of 2.5, free from “scholastic deficiencies”, among others.

1961 – An unprecedented 95% voter turnout in Ateneo election history was achieved.

1964 – Letter of candidacy must be filed before the board of elections. Board narrows down the position to the top three.

1966 – The first Ateneo political party, Party for United Action was introduced during the election.

1969 – Poor voter turnout necessitated a second round of elections for the first time.

1972 – Martial Law dissolves all student councils along with elections.

1976 – Comelec’s role in the student council elections is formalized.

1984 – Plebiscite to hold a special presidential election fails, resulting in Stella Mendoza becoming the first female president.

1988 – Comelec mandate is further clarified and institutionalized.

1995 – Pamela Lim wins in the elections, becoming the first elected female president.

1998 – Comelec conducts class to class voting, but Judicial Council finds Comelec guilty of negligence because not all home classes were visited. As a result, all Comelec members were removed from Comelec.

2001 – 70% voter turnout is reached, one of the highest in recent history.