Independent candidate challenges SDM’s decades-long hold on student council

A University of Malta student is attempting to challenge the decades-long dominance of SDM within the university’s student council by running as an independent candidate for president.

On Friday afternoon, a new Instagram page titled mill-istudent għall-istudent – meaning “from the students for the students” – was launched. It describes itself as “a new voice, a voice for change and an independent voice”.

The grouping plans to field Nick Muscat to contest the presidency of Kunsill Studenti Universitarji (KSU) in the election set to take place later this month.

“I have no party affiliation at all. My only agenda is for students to be able to help students. Which is ultimately what students want and need,” Muscat said.

He is not sure if there has ever been an independent president in the history of KSU, which began in 1901. 

Muscat is not new to KSU, though he has never held a party-political role within it. He currently serves as commissioner, a position elected by student groups and representatives rather than through party lines.

Muscat argued that SDM’s long-standing control of the council has made it difficult for independent candidates to contest elections. SDM (Christian Democratic Students) has strong ties with the PN, albeit without an official link.

“It is a big challenge unless you are politically exposed or related to someone in politics,” he said, adding that the cost of running independently can also be a barrier.

He believes this discourages capable students from contesting elections.

“We are losing out on hard-working, good people who have great ideas on how to make student life better. There are probably more like us than people think; they just don’t want to be associated with parties.”

Muscat said he had previously been approached by SDM but chose not to join. “Just as I told them, I can’t represent a Christian democrat party when I am not Catholic.”

Reflecting on the past year, he described himself as “one of the main contact points for students” during what he called a “tough year”. This included the UMASA dispute earlier this year, when academics were instructed to withhold exam and dissertation results, as well as disruptions caused by Storm Harry, which affected university operations. 

“We did everything we could to keep students informed and connected to us no matter what was going on.”

He said he hopes to see a broader shift towards independent candidates across student bodies in Malta, including at Junior College and MCAST.

“We want to be more grassroots and more relatable. We aren’t anything special; we are just students trying to represent students in the best way we can.”

He added that, on Monday, he expects other independent candidates to launch their campaigns for other roles within the council.

SDM has held control of KSU for at least 20 years, though the exact duration is unclear. The last independent candidate to run for president was Kris Bajada in 2020, who lost to SDM’s Matthew Xuereb.

However, independent candidates have succeeded in other roles. Isaiah Riolo was elected culture and entertainment officer during the 2023/2024 legislature.

Earlier this month, SDM also launched its team for the upcoming election.