The SA Survey on Election System (Conducted on DATE)

We have received 699 Google Form responses from students in total. Here are the data
and opinions:

Voting Ratio:
Plan A: (F1-2 : F3-4 : F5-6/ SA = 1 : 1.5 : 2) (188 votes)
Plan B (F1-4 : F5-6 = 1 : 1.5) (132 votes)
Plan C (one student, one vote) (379 votes)

Conclusion: Proposed voting ratio of the presidential election - One student, one vote

Entering requirements:
Plan A (5 core members of all F.5 students) (249 votes)
Plan B (At least 3 core members with at least 2 F.5 students) (344 votes)
Plan C (At least 2 F.5 students) (106 votes)

Conclusion: Proposed requirement for entering an SA presidential election - at least 3

core members of which 2 have to be F.5 students

Determining the victory:

Plan A ( at least 400 weighted votes ) (210 votes)
Plan B ( 1 cabinet : at least 50%, 2 cabinets : at least 35%, 3 cabinets : at least 30%, 4 or
more cabinets : at least 20%) (489 votes)
Conclusion: It is proposed that a presidential candidate can declare victory when he
receives at least 50% of the votes (under ‘one student, one vote’ system) when there is 1
cabinet, at least 35% of the votes (under ‘one student, one vote’ system) when there are 2,
at least 30% of the votes (under ‘one student, one vote’ system) when there are 3, and at
least 20% of the votes (under ‘one student, one vote’ system) when there are 4 or more
cabinets.

Other suggestions/opinions:
Some students have proposed other alternatives that might be worth considering. You can
express your views during the consultation period (after the changes to the constitution
are drafted and released to you):
1. It is suggested that instead of giving each person the same voting power (i.e. one
student, one vote), each form should be given the same voting power. This cancels
 out the influence brought by the difference in the numbers of students in each
form.
2. There are voices about allowing junior form students to hold key positions in the
Student’s Association.

There are certain suggestions we would like to respond to:

1. It is suggested that every member of the SA Executive Council is elected instead
of appointed by the SA president.
Response: The election is named “the SA Presidential Election”, so voters are only
choosing the person (i.e. SA president) who they think best represents their interests.
2. A presidential candidate’s academic records should be considered as a
prerequisite.
Response: Two interviews with the candidate and his cabinet members are
conducted during the summer holiday to make sure that everyone involved is well
aware of the challenges of serving in the SA. Their academic performance and
conduct are taken into consideration.
3. Various suggestions have been made regarding the percentage of affirmative votes
one is required to declare victory. Some of the suggested percentages are thought
to be too low.
Response: It is indeed hard to agree on the percentages but the SA believes this is
the first step towards stronger representation.
4. Some suggestions propose a second round of voting if the first round of voting
fails to meet the passing rate.
Response: According to the current constitution, a second election will be held two weeks
after the first election when no candidate wins.
5. Using “for” and “against” instead of “support” and “abstain” when there is only
one candidate.
Response: “Abstain” is an option for those who might not have enough information to
make a decision to support, and at the same time it can be considered a protest vote.
Next step:
The SA will propose the changes to the voting ratio, entering and victory requirements of
the constitution according to the results of the survey shortly. After that, there will be a
brief consultation period before the changes are finalized. It is hoped that the new
election system will take effect starting next academic year (2022-23).

The Students' Association would like to express our sincere thanks to everyone who took
the time to complete this survey and give us suggestions so that we can improve and
better serve you in the future.