Last Friday, March 18th 2016, Pulse published a note on their Facebook page entitled Pulse In Favour Of Modern Student Politics. This claims that for the past 19 years, Pulse has strictly focused on the student body.
Despite this, Pulse has decided not to contest this year’s KSU election (2016/2017 term). Although at the moment I am still unsure of what Pulse’s tactic is, when I read their note, I felt that Pulse was justifying their decision by putting forward the hard work done this year.
This year Pulse has brilliantly focused on their Policy Forum. In the organisation’s policies, Pulse discussed many issues ranging from the student’s reaction to Budget 16, social inclusion – a very detrimental issue in our society – and even hosted an International Youth Debate on migration.
In my honest opinion, change has been needed for a very long time. KSU elections have become a popularity contest, rather than focusing on student-centred issues. But will change occur?
I think this year Pulse had an opportunity to change this. However, instead of competing against SDM, they are escaping from the competition and, in the process, are increasing what has been a huge problem in the past years; student apathy. However, I do agree that at a point one has to reevaluate one’s options and opt to not spend a huge amount of money on student elections and focus resources on other, more important, issues.
Now that Pulse are not contesting the election, SDM has the duty to present candidates that will work together for the students. The popularity aspect does not count anymore.
