Teddy Hall students faced a lack of choice when voting in Monday’s JCR election, with every open position, including President, being either uncontested or devoid of candidates.
The President, Secretary and Charities Officer positions were uncontested, while Academic Affairs, and Gender and Sexual Diversities Officer, were both without candidates. Nominations for these positions will be reopened and by-elections will likely be held during 8th week.
Now President-elect Edward Benson won with 176 votes. Outgoing JCR President Seb Siersted told Cherwell, “I think that it is always important that posts are contested as much asp ossible. Unfortunately this year that was not the case. Despite this I have full faith in all the candidates who have put themselves forward and think they will do a fantastic job. Turnout can fluctuate year to year for a variety of reasons but it should be noted that historically many positions in the Michaelmas husts have not been contested for.”
He added, “I have no concern at all, that those who have applied for positions this term are the best people for the job. Ultimately should the body of the JCR think that a candidate is not up to scratch then the option to vote RON provides a way to reopen the contest.”
Many Teddy Hall students were worried by the lack of involvement. One second year commented, “I think it’s a very bad reflection on college ethos that there is such apathy towards the JCR, which is meant to involve everyone.”
Numerous reasons were given for such dis- engagement. One fresher noted that most second and third years live outside of college so they’re not so connected. Another described a “clear cut social group in each year”, so that potential candidates would likely stifle their nomination if they found out a more popular peer was running.
The President-elect was keen to emphasise his commitment to improving student involvement, explaining, “I would seek to encourage participation by publicising the knowledge of the key work that the JCR does behind the scenes, having a weekly surgery to increase contact with JCR committee members and by publishing detailed explanations of JCR positions online so that every student knows exactly what amazing work the committee do.”
While last year’s hustings was well-attended, only twenty students went to this year’s. Questions ranged from asking Benson whether he would ‘RON himself’ to asking the presumptive secretary whether he would assign the ‘hottest’ grandchildren to himself.
Some criticised Benson for using the word “cunt” during the event, responding to a question about what “Ron’s” last name might be.
Benson responded to Cherwell, explaining, “Teddy Hall prides itself on being a warm, fun and friendly college. We welcome candidates with a sense of humour who see don’t see the JCR as a political training ground. I don’t think anyone in the room would have accused me of not thinking seriously about the role and my answers concerning OUSU, rent and housing reflect that.
“As for me using the word cunt, it’s clearly an off the cuff remark to a ridiculous question.”
