Elected Candidates

The full list of candidates to get elected are:

• Gayle Cini
• Karol Buttigieg
• Chayenne Catania
• Thomas Farrugia Garzia
• Liam Axisa

These results reflect not only the preferences of the students but also suggest a strong endorsement for the policies and vision put forth by SDM. The election results are set to influence how student governance will roll out in the coming year.

The post ITS Student Election 2024 appeared first on The Third Eye.

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.

Studenti Demokristjani Maltin (SDM) is one of the most prominent organisations in the domestic regions. The student-based organisation has its fundamentals pertaining to Political Affairs and seeks to echo young students’ needs and opinions.

AGM

On the 25th of November SDM held its AGM, where the new team has been announced. Hertian Salameh Cachia will be embarking on a journey to lead his colleagues and yielding the best that SDM can offer.

The official list includes:

• President: Hertian Salameh Cachia
• Vice-President: Danaya Grech
• Secretary General: Chayenne Riolo
• Public Relations Officer: Natalya Stivala
• Media Officer: Krista Pisani
• Human Resources: Sherona Briffa
• Financial Officer: Martina Micallef
• Assistant Financial Officer: Martina Mangion
• University Co-Ordinator: Krista Hili
• Junior College Co-ordinator: Neil Camenzuli
• Gozo Co-ordinator: David Borg
• Social policy and education officer: Emilia Galdes
• Events Officer: Matteo Mangion

Presidential Comment

I am humbled and honoured to be entrusted to lead the organisation through a very important period, that of change and also togetherness. I would also like to thank my predecessor for his time and dedication. Going forward as an organisation we will make it our priority in order to represent all students at UM, JC, MCAST and ITS in the best way possible. I am looking forward to work with other Student Organisations and students, irrespective of their beliefs and background. SDM will truly be an open space for discussion and thought.

Hertian Salameh Cachia

The Third Eye wishes the new executive the best of luck!

The post Hertian Salameh Cachia as SDM President 2022/23 appeared first on The Third Eye.

KSU Elected Candidates 2022\23

• President: Alex Gaglione
• Vice President for Internal Affairs: Elisa Micallef Peplow
• Vice President for External Affairs: Beppe Lauri
• Secretary General: Claire DeBattista
• Financial Officer: Zane Camilleri
• Public Relations Officer: Gabriel Bonavia
• Students Affairs Officer: Julia Debono
• Social Policy Officer: Jeremy Mifsud
• KSU Education Officer: Angele Gauci
• Culture and Entertainment Co-Ordinator: Matthea Borg
• Culture and Entertainment Co-Ordinator: Raquel Sammut

Cristina Sollami VS Mahmoud Abdelrahman for International Officer

While SDM did not face opposition from Pulse, an independent candidate contested for the role of International Officer. Therefore, while the other eleven roles have been secured by SDM, an election will be held to determine who will fill the position of International Officer.

Comment from Alex Gaglione

Student activism has taken a central role in my University experience. Through my experiences in ELSA Malta and KSU as Social Policy Officer, I feel that it is the next natural step in my days as an activist.

I am confident in my ability to lead, and guide the fantastic team being put forward by SDM. Together, I am certain we continue to take KSU to new heights.

Alex Gaglione

Motions Passed

A number of motions were passed which can be viewed on the KSU website, however, two notable motions are the following:

• The removal of silent day for all elections
• A motion submitted by Waleed Alhweeshel states that an updated version of the statute should always be available on the KSU website in both Maltese and English for better accessibility for students.

The Third Eye wishes the new executive the best of luck for their term!

The post Alex Gaglione to lead KSU for 2022\23 appeared first on The Third Eye.

Meet the 12 candidates:

• President: Alex Gaglione
• Vice President for Internal Affairs: Elisa Micallef
• Vice President for External Affairs: Beppe Lauri
• Secretary General: Claire DeBattista
• Financial Officer: Zane Camilleri
• Public Relations Officer: Gabriel Bonavia
• Students Affairs Officer: Julia Debono
• Social Policy Officer: Jeremy Mifsud
• International Officer: Cristina Sollami
• KSU Education Officer: Angele Gauci
• Culture and Entertainment Co-Ordinator: Matthea Borg
• Culture and Entertainment Co-Ordinator: Raquel Sammut

Onorata li ngħatajt l-opportunità li flimkien mat-team fantastiku, nikkontesta għal President tal-KSU.

Alex Gaglione, Candidate for KSU President

The slogan ‘L-Ghajta Tieghek’ was chosen to portray how SDM will be the voice of the students, how they will take the students’ ideas into consideration, and how it will continue to represent the student population.

See the full launch video here.

The Third Eye wishes all the candidates the best of luck!

The post L-Ghajta Tieghek: SDM Candidates for KSU appeared first on The Third Eye.

SDM held their AGM on December 8, at 19:00 in the KSU Common Room. There Sheldon Zerafa was re-elected as SDM president. They also went on to announce the members of their executive team for the year 2021\2022.

Meet The Team

President: Sheldon Zerafa
Vice President: James Balzan Sultana
Secretary-General: Chayenne Riolo
Financial Officer: Kylie Ghirxi
HR: Gianluca Tanti
Public Relation Officer: Kurt Said
KE/KPS: Shaun Borg
University coordinator: Alannah Zammit
Junior college coordinator: Krista Hili and Kylie Zammit
Media officer: Jan Sammut
Events officer: Kurt Zammit
External officer: Matthew Camilleri
International officer: Kimberly Cardona

Presidential Comment

SDM president, Sheldon Zerafa, went to say:

“I am grateful for the lessons and experiences that I went through with the past executive. I have only words of gratitude towards every single one of them. It’s now time to get back to work and put SDM back where it belongs. I am confident that my team is ready to take on all future challenges. We are ready to be the voice of all the students irrespective of their background. SDM isn’t there solely for elections, but it’s there to represent the student body. With the combination of fresh faces and others with experience within the executive, I am confident that we will achieve great things.”

The Third Eye wishes the new SDM Executives a fruitful year!

For Further AGMs news click here !

The post Sheldon Zerafa to lead SDM for the Second consecutive year! appeared first on The Third Eye.

A man attempted to take his own life yesterday by jumping off the Valletta bastions. Several onlookers gathered around the scene, however, most urged the man to jump instead of trying to help him. 

The Third Eye is appalled by the comments that were said to the man who was clearly in a vulnerable position. Suicide is a serious topic that should not be taken lightly and should never be encouraged. 

Student organisations voiced their own thoughts regarding the situation, with KSU highlighting the number of suicide deaths a year

“… close to 800,000 people choose to end their own lives. This works out to one person every 40 seconds.” 

With a number that high, people should be more sensitive to people who are struggling, instead of shaming them for their actions or thoughts. 

Other student organisations spoke out about the events, with the MMSA stating that there should be

“more awareness on the topic.” 

The Third Eye agrees with the above statement, as suicide should not be treated as a taboo subject, but rather as something that should be discussed openly in order to prevent future tragedies. Furthermore, we believe it is critical to educate people from a young age on how to approach someone who has suicidal thoughts and tendencies so that events like those in Valletta do not repeat themselves. 

Betapsi released a statement mentioning important points on what to do when encountering a suicidal person: 

“…the first thing to do is to report it to the police and call an ambulance. When talking to the person, it is important to keep calm and to encourage them to come back to safety.” 

Further organisations, such as SDM, continue to show their support to those struggling by encouraging them to speak up 

“You don’t have to struggle in silence.”

While Pulse raised their concerns over the lack of discussion there is around the topic

“Suicide is a serious public health problem and if the subject of mental health will continue to be neglected in our islands, suicide rated will increase extensively”. 

Student organisations have spoken, and it is clear that serious discussions need to take place regarding the topic of suicide as many feel that education on the subject is lacking, resulting in incidents such as that of yesterday. 

Below are some sources available to use when you need to talk to someone: 

The full comments from the above mentioned student organizations are found here: 

KSU

MMSA

Betapsi

SDM

Pusle

The post Student organisations voice their thoughts following Valletta incident appeared first on The Third Eye.

It is an event that multiple JC students look forward to every year but unfortunately, that tradition was broken. Both SDM and Pulse were contacted but Pulse decided not to participate.

The Third Eye went to great lengths to find a time that accommodates both parties, communicating with both presidents at all times. The debate was planned to take place on the 10th of November at 6PM, two days prior the election. Pulse was the one who suggested the debate be moved to 4PM, indicating their initial interest.

Isaak Koroma, Pulse President, was contacted again for confirmation and he stated that Pulse is unable to attend due to other commitments and activities planned for the day, leaving them no time to participate in the yearly debate.

Their refusal to participate halted the planning, leaving members and students alike baffled as to why the debate was not yet announced and why it is not taking place. SDM released a statement after we contacted them that due to unforeseen circumstances, the debate will not take place.

The Third Eye would like to point out that both organisations were contacted as soon as the manifestos are out, which is what the organisation does every year. We are an unbiased organisation and we are saddened that it turned out this way.

The post SDM vs Pulse: The debate that didn’t happen appeared first on The Third Eye.

The following is the full list of the candidates for KSJC 2021:

• Wayne Vassallo
• Kelly Formosa
• Jaedon Zammit
• Mariah Mangion
• Jake Ancilleri
• Yana Zammit
• Leanne Laferla
• Natalya Stivala

The post Strive For Change | SDM announces candidates for KSJC Elections 2021/22 appeared first on The Third Eye.

Meet the 12 candidates:

• President: Neil Zahra
• Vice President for Internal Affairs: Andrea Grima
• Vice President for External Affairs: Thomas Galea
• Secretary General: Matthias Caruana
• Financial Officer: Sarah Ebejer
• PRO: Claire DeBattista Sanderson
• Student Affairs Officer: Kylie Fenech
• Social Policy Officer: Alex Gaglione
• International Officer: Yanica Cini
• KSU Education Officer: Julia Debono
• Culture & Entertainment Co-ordinator: Nicole Galea
• Culture & Entertainment Co-ordinator: Jurgen John Gauci

SDM launched their campaign with the slogan of ‘Flimkien Għall-Għażla li Tixraqlek’.

During this difficult time, there is a need for us to be more connected and closer to the students. Together, because every student is part of the journey, together because just like previous years, our proposals and our council’s vision originate from students’ ideas. Together for a council that serves the student.

Sheldon Zerafa, SDM President

We look forward to building on the good work that KSU has done over the years, while keeping the student body at the heart of all our efforts. I am honoured to leading this diverse team contesting on SDM’s behalf, which is fully ready and able to take on this task.

Neil Zahra, Candidate for KSU President

The Third Eye wishes all the best to the team!

The post Flimkien Għall-Għażla li Tixraqlek: SDM Candidates for KSU appeared first on The Third Eye.