First-ever Student Council Elections Held at Ras Al Khaimah Men’s College

Second and third year students have successfully launched a new era of elected, student representation at Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) Men’s College.  Empowered with energy, enthusiasm, and supportive training, three students vied for the Student Council’s presidency while other students campaigned vigorously for the other seats on the Council.  The campaigns followed the students’ participation in leadership courses, which included guidance and instruction from senior Emirati officials; including a member of the UAE’s Federal National Council. 

The pre-election training, provided with support from the Local Grants Program of the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI), offered instruction to students on leadership & organization fundamentals, organizing elections, and representing themselves and their ideas.  Students enjoyed learning about student governance inside and outside the UAE, democracy concepts, and how to use media to create their own campaign profile and message.

The election campaign accessed a vast majority of the college community, as 71% of the student body cast their ballots, which resulted in the victory of Omar Salem.  (One of the other two candidates for President, Ahmed Al Awadi, is an alumnus of MEPI Student Leaders Program in the U.S.) The Student Council presidential election was followed by the election of the other council members and heads of committees.  According to the College Dean Mr. Raymond La Bonte, the college witnessed the first organized student council elections ever, which included structured campaigning and voting procedures.

The second phase of the project will start in February, with training for the newly elected Council on topics of lobbying and representation.  The project will conclude with a written system of governance, including Student Council policies and procedures, which according to La Bonte, will serve as “catalysts for use by future leaders” in the next student council elections. This Student Council election and leadership project is proving successful in enabling students to engage in a democratic process, represent themselves as elected leaders, and articulate their voice among their community.