Importance of Participation in Students' Unions Elections
Importance of Participation in Students' Unions Elections
First experience of participating in the elections Student life is said to be a microcosm of adult society. Student unions as the bodies of students' self-government play a significant role in developing young people's self-consciousness. Participating in election races or voting for a favourite candidate, students realize that their choice is significant. They can improve their living standards in case the chosen candidate comes up to their expectations and keeps his/her promises. It is important to make the students' unions elections as fair as possible. This first experience of participating in the election process will have impact on students' views. They need to be assured that this or that candidate takes an office due to voters' preferences and really deserves it. Politics is a dirty business. Fortunately, this does not always go for the students' unions. Notwithstanding the fact that the bodies of self-government are separated from college management, educators can control the election procedure. Tips for students participating in elections for the first time Due to young people's misconceptions, they may choose wrong criteria for assessing the candidates. For example, students may vote for their friends or neighbors. It is preferable to pay attention to program of the candidate and his/her personal qualities. Supporting one's friends is really praiseworthy. But students need to bear in mind that destinies of thousands of students may depend upon this choice. It is important to raise the students' awareness concerning the programs of different candidates. They may fail to make the right choice being deprived of necessary information. At the same time it is important to assess personal qualities and achievements of candidates, as they might fail to keep their promises. The main criteria for assessing the candidates are personal achievements; election program (not slogans); personal qualities and will power.