BY AN overwhelming margin, the university student body voted for the ratification of the new Constitution of the Undergraduate Students of the Ateneo de Manila Loyola Schools, according to Ateneo Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Memorandum No. 201643, released on May 2.

According to the memo, 4649 voters out of a total of 5030, representing 92.43% of the voting populace, chose to ratify the new Constitution. 141 votes, totaling 2.8% voted “no” while 240, or 4.77% abstained.

The plebiscite surpassed the quota requirement of 3359 votes, avoiding the trend of failure of elections that had plagued the Sanggunian in past elections.

Combined efforts

According to COMELEC Chief Commissioner Patrice Gabito, the success of the elections can be attributed to the concerted efforts of the different institutions of the Ateneo student body.

“It’s the combined efforts of the Sanggunian, the [Constitutional Convention], and COMELEC [that led to the plebiscite’s reaching quota],” she said.

Gabito further attributed the success of the plebiscite to “the effort of the student body to voice out their take on the new constitution.”

She relayed that the lack of manpower from COMELEC served as a hindrance during the plebiscite, but was remedied by assistance from volunteer scholars.

Gabito added that COMELEC also expended effort on avoiding flying voters through the use of manual directories, the indelible ink, and cross-checking.

Electoral reform

The success of the plebiscite, and the wider approval of the constitution, will warrant changes to the structure of the Loyola Schools Student Body in the coming year.

Gabito explained that due to the passing of the new constitution, special elections may be underway in accordance with the new structure of the Sanggunian for the next school year.

“Given that the 2016 constitution will take effect next school year, the Sanggunian shall adopt the structure present in the new Constitution and shall exercise their powers accordingly,” she said.