We want our elections to be free, fair, and compliant with the rules and relevant legislation. Our election rules exist to ensure that, as a democratic and student-led organisation, our members get to have their say who represents them. These rules are designed to ensure that all candidates compete on a level playing field. If you have any questions about the rules, or you're thinking about running in the election, support is available from the Representation Team. You can get in touch with us by email at SUrepresentation@uwe.ac.uk.
Our Principles
These principles form the overarching guidance from which our specific rules are written, and all candidates should abide by these principles, including the intention and meaning behind the rules, specified here:
- Fairness and Transparency: All elections will be conducted fairly, impartially, and transparently, ensuring equal opportunity for candidates and clear communication of rules and processes.
- Democracy and Inclusivity: Elections will uphold democratic values by fostering an inclusive environment that encourages participation from the entire, diverse UWE Bristol student community.
- Informed Engagement and Accountability: We are committed to inspiring active engagement and cultivating informed voters. The election process will empower students to meaningfully contribute to the selection and accountability of elected officers, shaping the Union's direction.
- Strategic Alignment and Impact: Elections will facilitate the selection of student leaders whose goals align with the SU's mission, values, and strategic objectives. This ensures incoming leadership drives evidence-based improvements responding to student needs and demand.
- Integrity and Accountability: The integrity of the election process is paramount. Clear mechanisms will address rule breaches and uphold ethical conduct, ensuring trust in outcomes.
- Continuous Improvement: We are committed to continuously reviewing and improving election processes, learning from past experiences and incorporating best practices from the sector.
- Student and Staff Wellbeing: Election processes and timelines will always consider and support the physical and mental wellbeing of all involved, including candidates, campaign teams, SU staff, and UWE Bristol staff
1. Manifestos
1.1. Manifestos and slogans are not mandatory for candidates; however they are highly recommended. Candidates must meet deadlines set.
1.2. Manifestos and slogans must not mislead students, mention individuals other than the candidate themselves by name, and must align with The Students' Union's values.
2. Campaigning
2.1. Campaigns must not undertake any activities that actively promote their candidate until they are able to begin campaigning (e.g. posters going up, social media accounts actively posting). However, the following activities are permitted by the candidate before the campaign period opens:
• Telling friends/colleagues about a prospective candidacy
• Creating election content in a public place (e.g. the library) ahead of the campaign period, provided that a reasonable person could not construe the activities as campaigning.
2.2. Campaigns must not use the logos, iconography, or text which implies the endorsement of any registered student group (sports club/society).
2.3. Campaigning must not take place in any UWE Bristol library or Students' Union building.
3. Voting
3.1. During voting, campaigners must not interfere with the free and fair ballot casting of a student. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Seeking to influence or deliberately observe a voter who is engaged in the act of voting;
- Casting a vote for someone else, with or without their consent;
- Offering a cash bribe or goods in return for votes;
- Handle a device that is used for casting a vote or provide their own voting device (an electronic device with access to The Students’ Union website is considered a voting device).
3.2. If voters are concerned about their vote or wish to remove it, they can complete the Elections Complaint Form.
4. Staff Members
4.1. UWE Bristol Staff (not including current PGR students) and permanent staff of The Students’ Union shall stay impartial during the election period.
4.2. The Presidents and Officers of The Students’ Union cannot endorse any candidate; however, Part Time officers may endorse a candidate in their capacity as an individual student.
4.3. Casual staff employed by The Students’ Union may engage in campaigning and endorse candidates but may not do so whilst on duty, whilst wearing The Students’ Union uniform, or in connection with their role as a member of staff.
4.4. Members of staff may be approached for professional advice and shall give information equally to all campaigners.
5. Budget and Spending
5.1. No budget available for spending. We highly recommend avoiding excessive spending on the elections as this will not be reimbursed by the Elections Team.
6. Endorsements
6.1. Campaigners are prohibited from seeking any endorsements - that is, an endorsement from any external organisations or any associated UWE Bristol groups.
6.2. For the avoidance of doubt; UWE Staff, Societies, Sports Clubs, The Students' Union Staff, and any and all external individuals/organisations (e.g. Members of Parliament, political parties, companies) must not endorse or show favour towards/against any particular candidate.
7. Conduct and Complaints
7.1. Candidates are accountable for the behaviour of those campaigning on their behalf, including any potential sanctions for breaches of the election rules, Students' Union and University rules and the law. In the event of a breach of the rules by a campaigner, candidates must satisfy the Representation Team that they did everything practicable to ensure that anyone campaigning on their behalf abide by the election rules.
7.2. All campaigners, Union staff and Elections team members agree not to make any negative, false or unsubstantiated claims against another candidate, person, or organisation.
7.4. Any full member of The Students' Union or staff member may submit a complaint if they believe a campaign is in breach of these rules. Complaints must be submitted using the official Elections Complaint Form, and must be submitted within 24 hours of the incident concerned. The deadline for complaints will be when voting closes unless they concern the conduct of the count, and the count will not begin until any outstanding complaints have been resolved.
7.5. Complaints must be factual and contain evidence of the alleged rule breach. Hearsay, or events which the complainant has not directly witnessed, is unlikely to be successful. Complaints should include as much information as possible about time, location, and any relevant features for identification.
8.5. All rulings on the interpretation of these rules fall to the Elections team. Any appeals will be referred to another member of staff and any such ruling will be final. The authority of both the Election team and the additional staff member to do so is defined according to the Bye Laws and Constitution of The Students' Union, and these election rules form part of the Notice of Election as defined in the Bye Laws.