Despite Thursday’s dull weather, The Yard teemed with anticipation for the result announcements of seven referenda and over 90 elected positions. 46 percent of the student body voted in this election cycle, the most student participation in university history, according to the Elections Commission.
“That isn’t a victory for just us but the entire Howard community. This group of candidates has inspired and resonated with the students in a way that will never be forgotten,” Elections Commission’s Director of Communications Tochi Ihekona said.
Two races, the School of Business Howard University Student Association (HUSA) senator and College of Arts and Sciences (COAS) Undergraduate Student Association (UGSA) Representative races, were briefly under review due to voted-in candidates amassing too many campaign strikes in accordance with the elections code, but all results have since been announced.
To celebrate the close of campaign season, the elections commission held a results block party with a live D.J., mechanical bull and refreshments.
Noel Davidson, a senior political science major from New York City, worked as a campaign manager for COAS Senator-elect Lauren Edmond. Though protests to the Election Commission’s delay of results could be heard from the crowd, Davidson had no doubts.
“I know that we are going to win, and I know that when we do win, we’re going to do a good job in delivering for students of Howard,” Davidson said.
Contrarily, Edmond, a political science major from Chicago, was, like many candidates, nervous about results announcements.
“I feel like the energy’s off because it’s raining and people are tired, but I’m really just waiting for results,” Edmond said.
Yasmeen Chaudry, a sophomore political science major from Kalamazoo, Michigan, also ran for COAS HUSA senator and experienced a similar mix of emotions.
“Everybody put their best foot forward this campaign season and regardless of results I want to stay involved,” said Chaudry. “I just really hope that the effort I put into this is reflected in the vote,” she added.
Ssanyu Lukoma, who will serve as the 88th Miss Howard University, along with Miles Christopher Fransique, who will serve as 50th Mister Howard, were invited to give two-minute speeches.
“Thank you to Howard y’all like, I’ve been wanting to go to this school for so long. To even be on this campus is a blessing,” said Lukoma.
“My final message to everybody: you can be yourself, you can succeed, you simply have to believe,” she added.
At the block party, Ellyssa Elliot, a junior political science and African American studies double major from Reading, Pennsylvania, saw the efforts of peers who have vied for elected positions since freshman year pay off.
“I’m seeing everyone who wanted to lead, and they’re still leading now. I’m glad they’re still running and expanding on their goals. I’m really proud of them,” she said.
Almost all races have concluded, aside from the HUSA Executive President and Vice President race and the College of Dentistry Executive Council positions. Both will move into run-off elections and receive results next Wednesday, April 8.
Copy edited by Daryl R. Thomas Jr.
