THE OXFORD UNION has introduced a new balloting system with the aim of making the society more transparent. The Union Press Office has released a statement announcing that in future, attendees who wish to attend a highly anticipated event will be chosen by random ballot.
The release states, “In the interest of transparency, the process will take place at a public meeting, open to any member of the society.” Members who have expressed an interest in the event will receive a number; the selected numbers will consequently be announced on a big screen at a meeting.
There have only been two balloted events in the past two years – the film premiere of the Rum Diaries with Johnny Depp last year and PSY’s visit in Michaelmas.
Maria Rioumine, President of the Oxford Union , told Cherwell, “There’s stuff to change. It will be a long-time process, but it’s a start to making the Union better.”
She said that besides the random ballot, committee guest lists will be abolished: “Friends of committee members will no longer be given priority and the President will only be allowed to bring two friends along to President’s Drinks.
“Instead we hope to reward the participation of our members by inviting anyone who makes a floor speech on the night to attend the drinks event after the debate.”
