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 

The post Out with the Old, in with the New: The Next Chapter of SDM vs Pulse!  appeared first on The Third Eye.

Major developments in the KSJC election

The most substantial change for the 2022/2023 election came about when SDM did not appoint itself to compete against Pulse for the election that will be taking place on the 11th of November 2022. This is an uncommon phenomena, particularly within JC, as it is renown for being the hub for extravagant elections when matched with other post-secondary educational institutions.

The rationale behind the withdrawal is because SDM is presently undergoing a self-evaluation where it is looking to amend its framework.

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. 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. Going forward we would like to emphasize the fact that student organisations such as SDM, are present in order to be catalysts of change and not just as electoral machines. Having said that, SDM pledges that going forward it will once again, be the voice of all students in all institutions around Malta and Gozo.

How will this affect the KSJC election?

7 out of 8 candidates representing Pulse have automatically been appointed, with the only position being contested for, given the status quo, is the presidential role.

Despite SDM’s absence in this year’s election, individual candidate Cody Parnis will still be competing against Pulse’s leader, Jake Muscat. The clash amongst the two participants allows for a more democratic approach in today’s modern age. Pulse has voiced its concerns regarding the situation but encourages students to vote nonetheless.

I am more than ready for next Friday’s election, if elected I vouch to keep representing all JC students, this time as President of the council.

Jake Muscat

As far as plans go I’m a very step by step person, however I see it as my mission to do whatever I can to better the quality of life for JC students and am and always will be open to suggestions. Why should students vote for me? I believe that the only reason students should vote for me is if they genuinely believe I will be there to back them up and help them out

Cody Parnis

On behalf of The Third Eye, we wish both candidates the best of luck!

The post All you need to know before the KSJC election appeared first on The Third Eye.

President:

• Pulse – Jade Muscat – 864
• SDM – Natalya Stivala – 362

Vice-president:

• Pulse – Kieran Muscat – 850
• SDM – Mariah Mangion – 350

KPS:

• Pulse – Faith Casha – 830
• SDM – Leanne Laferla – 351

Secretary General:

• Pulse – Yan Trovato – 867
• SDM – Yana Zammit – 341

Finance Officer:

• Pulse – Kylie Bonnici – 858
• SDM – Jake Ancilleri – 334

PRO:

• Pulse – Jake Spiteri Montebello – 824
• SDM – Wayne Vassallo – 372

KE:

• Pulse – Sarah Cachia – 836
• SDM: Kelly Formosa – 358

KKD:

• Pulse – Jake Muscat – 823
• SDM – Jaedon Lee Zammit – 390

The Third Eye would like to congratulate both parties on their hard work during the campaign, and we wish Pulse a fruitful and eventful year!

The post Pulse wins KSJC 2021 elections appeared first on The Third Eye.

This Friday’s KSJC Election has pressed this burning query into every Junior College students’ mind. The competing parties’ manifestos might be the clue they need to get out of the diabolical pickle!

What is a Manifesto?

If you are relatively new to the world of politics, this is a crucial point to make. A manifesto SHOULD be your main reference point when making any form of decision in regards to voting. It is a clear and somewhat concise formal document that represents the goals, vision, intentions, and principles of an organisation.

Always keep in mind what your individual values are and ask yourself, “How does voting for this party and not the other benefit both myself and the student body I form a part of?”

Levelling Up the JC Experience

With the intention of bettering the student’s Junior College experience- both vouch to increase the number of plugs and sockets around campus. Also pleading to level up the Junior College Games Room with new equipment. Both SDM and Pulse, have also vouched to launch campaigns related to Mental Health and Domestic Violence. So kudos to both parties on their fight for a better and safer student space!

Pulse divided their manifesto into several sections, one of which being Social Inclusion. Besides launching the aforementioned movements, they are also vouching to organize a month long campaign to ‘Raise Awareness for Autism’ throughout April. (Something which I felt was lacking back in my JC days.)

SDM is pledging to organize a Pet Therapy Day in efforts of highlighting the psychological benefits our furry friends provide.

Safety First

Covid-19 has also slithered its way into both SDM and Pulse’s Manifestos. The aim of these promises is to ensure the utmost health and safety for the students. Pulse direct their focus towards successfully preventing the virus from spreading. They’re introducing automatic sanitizers on every floor and also introducing branded masks to their merchandise. SDM are offering post-Covid mental health support. They’re offering mental-health first aid courses in lieu of the effects Covid-19 has had on students well-being.

Keeping It Green

The grounds which we walk on should be of great relevance to us all.

SDM has offered to: plant more trees around campus and organize monthly clean-ups around Malta and Gozo. They’ve also pledged to work with Sort it Out- Wasteserv Malta to expand the recycling system around JC Campus.

Pulse is offering: a fresh initiative to switch all single-use plastic cutlery in the canteen with alternatives. They will also be organising a ‘Plastic Free Day’ to discourage students from using plastics. On top of that Pulse is committed to supporting the local market, in an effort to decrease the carbon footprint.

Opportunities beyond Junior College

SDM is going big on internships this year. On top of proposing a ‘KSJC Internship Hub’, they have also got MEP internships in store. As well as paid, international opportunities with European Institutions in Brussels.

Pulse are reaching out to those students with a passion for journalism this year. Offering an exclusive, paid internship for those students who are looking to further their career in this field.

Does this sound too good to be true? Be sure to check in to tonight’s KSJC 2020 Presidential Debate, to ask some hard-hitting questions and make your final decision…

So, whether you invest in A Brighter Tomorrow

Or, decide to Choose Forward

We wish both electoral candidates the best of luck for Friday’s KSJC Election!

The post Pulse or SDM? KSJC Electoral Manifesto Run Down appeared first on The Third Eye.

The regulations stated:

• There will be no MATSEC examinations in May and they have all been postponed to September.
• Any resit MATSEC examinations will take place in December.
• Students will still be able to enroll to University or any other institution during this period.
• Students who do not pass from the first-sit will still be able to enroll but on a probation basis.

An email was sent out on the 30th of March to all Junior College students addressing any concerns and questions that were raised. It was written that the usual end-of-year examinations for first-year students will not be held. Having said that, first-year students will not be progressing to second-year automatically but will instead be marked on the assessments that they worked on throughout the year.

It is an expected reaction for students to be concerned due to the possibility of not having resits. However, KSJC President, Kleaven Pisani is in constant contact with the principal, to input the students’ queries including their concerns about resits.

“We as KSJC are happy that JC acted swiftly to address the situation after we made contact with the administration to voice the students’ concerns on the current situation through our system of ‘You complain, You gain’.”

Kleaven Pisani, KSJC President

KSJC has informed us that there is still more to discuss and encourages all Junior College student organisations to come forward with any concerns that students might have approached them with.

Further updates with any information will be put up on the KSJC Facebook page immediately.

The post KSJC in talks with JC Admin to handle students’ concerns appeared first on The Third Eye.

Kleaven Pisani, KSJC President, said that the council made it a point to increase inclusivity for Junior College Students. The council saw a lack of this, especially with regards to vegan food being easily accessible for the students.

“The idea of increasing the amount of vegan food being prepared in the school canteen was always seen as something fruitless in previous years, however this year, thanks to a council that is even closer to students than ever before, we realized that there is a considerable amount of students that follow these vegan and vegetarian diets and that they find it difficult to find suitable options that suits their likes and dislikes”.

Kleaven Pisani, KSJC President

This will not only target those who are on a vegan diet but it will also encourage students to try out vegan food to satisfy their taste buds.

“As a result, we tackled the problem head-on, discussing different ideas with the school canteen on how we can cater for these students. This initiative is going to create a fitter environment for Junior College students making their experience of higher quality”.

KSJC plans to further increase the food options that are available on Campus to cater to different cultures and diets.

The post A vegan appetite at Junior College | KSJC's new initiative appeared first on The Third Eye.

The story revolved round 1 vote. Allegedly after the first count Mikela Cassar was elected in the role of KPS with 1 vote. SDM representatives in the counting hall asked for recount in case any error that might have taken place during the counting of the votes. After an alleged recount later during the evening, it transpired that both candidates obtained the same number of votes.

7 Pulse candidates were confirmed and elected in the council, however the role of KPS until now remains vacant due to a parity in votes. Results can be seen below:

President:
Kleaven Pisani (Pulse): 692
Kurt Anthony (SDM): Caruana: 640

Vice-President:
Sara Said (Pulse): 710
Kimberly Rega (SDM): 621

Secretary General:
Jodie Xuereb (Pulse): 698
Danaya Grech (SDM): 631

KPS:
Mikela Cassar (Pulse): 665
Glen Mifsud (SDM): 665

Financial Officer:
Colette Abdilla (Pulse): 690
Alessia Cristina (SDM): 640

PRO:
Andre Camilleri (Pulse): 702
Nicole Psaila (SDM): 629

KE:
Erika Mallia (Pulse): 682
Kylie Ghirxi (SDM): 648

KKD:
Anton Camilleri (Pulse): 680
Luke Sultana (SDM): 652

The Electoral Commissioner responsible for this year’s elections, Wayne Sammut stated that the current result was confirmed unanimously by commission including Deputy Electoral Commissioner, Michele Refalo.

He stated that a possible way forward might be another election to elect the KPS but nothing has been yet confirmed. A decision will be communicated once discussions with the Junior College Administration and the respective organisations are finalised.

President-Elect Kleaven Pisani in his first reaction stated that he was beyond happy but as yet disappointed that they did not manage to elect the whole team the first time round.

Junior College Principal, Paul Xuereb, stated that a decision has be taken by the organisations and the administration will not make a decision on behalf of the students and their representatives. He also stated that he was quite satisfied with how orderly the election and campaigns were conducted.

The post Pulse elects 7 candidates in KSJC; 8th remains vacant appeared first on The Third Eye.

Senate recognition will give them more leeway in implementing their proposals and as an added bonus, they will be eligible for more funding.

Student Council President Jaden Dimech proudly explains that this shall be the first recognised council since its inception in 1989.

He stated the fact that both Pulse and SDM are both Senate recognised and operate within Junior College incentivised them further to start the process.

The post KSJC is working to become Senate recognised appeared first on The Third Eye.

Participants were given a pink ribbon and encouraged to wear it until the end of October to show their support for the cause. However, the speaker at the launch appealed to ensure that the end of the month doesn’t signify the end of the discussion.

Mrs. Michelle Muscat also attended the event on behalf of the Marigold Foundation of which she is the chairperson. She encouraged students to enjoy their studies and work hard and called for them to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Mrs. Muscat insisted that breast cancer is largely curable if it is detected early on; so early detection is crucial. She also called for an end to the stigma that only women are affected as the cancer can befall men too.

The Marigold Foundation gave out leaflets explaining when and how to check for breast cancer in both sexes. The Foundation’s school programme also donated vouchers to the school to encourage reading.

The post ‘Face Your Fear’: Pulse Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign Launch appeared first on The Third Eye.