Tale as old as time, the rivalry between Pulse and SDM is a well known phenomenon of Maltese students’ politics… or at least it was. For University students, the last full-on elections in UM between the two giants of student politics was back in 2018, almost three years ago.
The period after which was characterized by 3 years of maintaining the status quo, with SDM candidates being elected to KSU almost unopposed except for a few independent candidates here and there, all of which didn’t even manage to get elected in one office.
In JC, the rivalry was much more present with elections happening between the two as recent as November 2021 with Pulse winning with a margin of about 500 votes. However, nothing screams maintaining the status quo more than the fact this year, for the first time in a long while, SDM didn’t even contest for KSJC this year, citing
KSJC is intended to better the student life on campus, and as SDM we feel like that the purpose of the council has moved away from its purpose these last few years
Adding to that
As SDM we are currently conducting a self-assessment exercise in order to rediscover our values and our purpose, in order to be able to represent the student body as a whole once again, hence why the decision not to contest was taken.
SDM, via Facebook post statement
Pulse jumped on the occasion to condemn SDM for boycotting the elections, stating
Such a decision is a huge disappointment for student representation, considering that the KSJC elections are well known for attracting high-turnout voters when compared to other educational institutions.
Pulse, via Facebook post statement
Which is ironic given the fact that Pulse themselves haven’t participated in KSU elections since 2018. All Pulse candidates have been elected in KSJC which means that Pulse has been elected for the record-breaking 7th consecutive year.
The situation in MCAST is no different from KSJC. SDM have not contested for KSM for a number of years, with Pulse electing all nine candidates once again in 2022.
So, to recap: SDM has the University of Malta’s KSU, while Pulse has Junior College’s KSJC and MCAST’s KSM. All of which have been elected without a full on election that could change the fact that each of these political organisations controls the respective councils, with both KSJC and KSM being contested by an independent candidate for the role of president, while KSU’s international office was the only contested office for 22/23. None of these councils have changed hands since 2016, 6 years ago!
A New Chapter Of The Same Old Story?
For the last two years, both SDM and Pulse were led by the same President and most of the executive teams, Sheldon Zerafa for SDM and Isaak Koroma for Pulse. This period was characterized by a decrease in student activism for both organisations and a focus on low-effort leisure events for students’ political organizations such as picnics, pizza nights, numerous gatherings, and boat parties. Important events to build communities of course but these events shouldn’t overshadow the main goals of these organizations which some might argue they did. Yet, there was a glimpse of what these organizations could reach with Pulse, for example, working on events such as ACT | Panel discussion on housing or the Campus Tech summit they hosted for 3 days with UM Futsal, or SDM annual Survey Semma’ Leħnek – UM survey. But for the general student public, both organizations present has definitely decreased since they last butted heads in University.
This however might change in the future as both organisations have elected new presidents this year to lead their respective organisations. SDM elected Hertain Salameh Cachia who has been part of student organizations for a quite long time making part of UM Futsal executives who won the E&L Futsal Trophy last June and is already making some waves within the organisation who went right into work by being quite up to date with statements regarding students issues and starting their charity campaign “spreading Joy “ with Puttinu Cares & Malta Community Chest Fund.
On the other hand, Pulse has also elected a new president, Karl Schembri, who has worked his way up Pulse executives as he was JC executive for term 2019/2020 and a Vice President in KSJC for term 2020/2021 as Pulse Candidate winning the election against SDM candidate for that position with 860 votes with more than 350+ vote differences. Since Karl’s election Pulse has been part of both University and JC Christmas on Campus and their social media presence has started to pick up in posts too. They have also recently announced their campaign Solidarjeta’ ghall-istrina in aid of L-Istrina.
It’s too early to judge the future of the organisation now but the change in executive and the trust in new blood for both organisations does bring some hope for change in the future and might bring both organisations into the forefront of student political activism in new ways most new students haven’t had the chance to experiences yet. Filling the void that was created by the dampening of both organisations’ presence around the year except in two weeks of elections in the University of Malta, JC, or MCAST.
Both Presidents Comment On SDM Vs Pulse Rivalry
The Third Eye contacted both presidents and asked for a comment with regard to the situation, here’s what they had to say
First of all I would like to start by thanking all former SDM alumni for there priceless work carried out throughout the organisation’s almost 50 years of existence. I keep in mind the immense responsibility everyday and in every decision carried out.
Whilst reflecting over the organisation’s past year I cannot possibly overstate how proud I am of our commitment in retaining the best possible option year after year when it comes to the University of Malta Student Council, KSU. Like I have already stated at the very beginning of my term, this year is all about the student body and making the student and their concerns, the center of our agenda. This is why, I promise that for another year, as always, we will make it our priority to be as representative as possible and once again present the best possible options from all over University. I would also like to thank the current KSU executive for their stellar work so far into their term.
Saying that, we are also very aware of our previous short-comings in other Educational Institutes. Work for regeneration has already started and progress is already being made. As I said above, SDM strives to be as representative as possible and we do realise that the best possible way to achieve this is to be more present and vocal in all Institutes in which the organisation resides.
Lastly, I do believe that the rivalry between both organisations, throughout history, has been a healthy one, in which both organisations have been able to bring about the best out of each other. I would also like to comment that out of a fruitful rivalry between our organisations, activism as a whole will thrive. I look forward to lead SDM into a new chapter, a new era, that of inclusivity and togetherness.
SDM president Hertain Salameh Cachia
Personally I feel that this year pulse is looking to revive student activism in all institutions, taking into consideration the footsteps of our predecessors.
Change has brought good in both organizations and it has rekindled spark and competition between both.
I feel lucky to have been given the responsibility at such a delicate time in the organizations history.
Looking forward for further goals and achievements, and I invite and wish for both organizations to participate and take action in all endeavors and institutions.
Pulse president Karl Schembri
The Third Eye Wishes success and progress for both organisations in their effort to give voice to and represent students’ needs
