Withdrawals

Withdrawals reduced the presidential candidates to about forty by Tuesday night.

One nominee told Salient he had been asked to withdraw by the Returning Officer. "I considered this to be a reasonable request, so I withdrew,'' he said. "I understand that the Returning Officer intends to ask as many candidates to withdraw as possible. "

There could well be more withdrawals as candidates will be allowed to withdraw their nominations right up until the time the ballot paper is printed (probably on Friday April 28). After this date the only effective withdrawal would be by a candidate making it known that he is not a serious contender.

When nominations closed at 5pm on Monday, acting President Heughan Rennie said the presidential nominations could be divided into three groups, "the anarchistic, the vexatious and the serious."

As soon as it was rumoured that there were phenomenal numbers of presidential candidates, a requisition calling for a Special General Meeting was circulated. When handed to Mr. Rennie 53 students had signed. But it was ruled invalid as it did not set down a specific motion.

Caroline McGrath, who initiated the requisition, told Salient, "All we wanted was a chance for students to get together and talk it over in a friendly manner. Since the issues have been discussed by many students in a more informal atmosphere, our purpose has been largely achieved. Perhaps some nominees withdrew because they saw how we felt."

A press statement claiming responsibility for "the recent plethora of presidential candidates," found its way to Salient on Sunday. It was signed by Geoff Rashbrooke, Dave Fergusson and George Seconi. The latter two are both presidential candidates.