Independent candidate elected KSU president
Nick Muscat was elected on Wednesday; SDM hold majority
The University of Malta’s student council will be led by an independent candidate, after election results were announced on Wednesday afternoon.
In a tightly fought race, Nick Muscat (1,346 votes) beat out fellow law student Michael Spiteri (1,279) to the position of KSU president, securing 51.2 per cent of the vote.
Muscat is not new to KSU, though he has never held a party-political role within it.
He is the outgoing commissioner, a position elected by student groups and representatives rather than through party lines.
Following the results, the incoming council will be made up of a mix of both SDM and independent candidates, with eight and four council members, respectively.
After the results were announced, independent candidates and their supporters celebrated on the university’s quadrangle. Speaking to Times of Malta, Muscat said his victory was a historic moment.
“Students have spoken and chosen what they want out of their council,” he said.
Regarding the split in the council, Muscat said he would work with anyone and that his priority was putting students first.
While congratulating SDM candidates who made it to the council and wishing Muscat well, Spiteri said the results were a moment of reflection for the party.
“The fact that [SDM] have a majority shows that students still support SDM, but the result shows that some changes are needed,” he said.
The results of the contested posts are:
President: Nick Muscat (Independent)
Vice President for Internal Affairs: Keith Calleja (SDM)
VP for External Affairs: Sam Delia (SDM)
Secretary General: Darmenia Micallef (SDM)
Finance Officer: Angelie Feroleto (Independent)
Media and Design Officer: Lisa Fenech Pace (SDM)
Student and International Affairs Officer: Matthias Zahra (Independent)
Culture and Entertainment Officer: Gaby Diacono (SDM)
Culture and Entertainment Coordinator: Francesca Anastasi (Independent)