University of the Free State (UFS) students have six days to nominate the next generation of student leaders as nominations for the 2026/2027 Campus Student Representative Council (CSRC) and Faculty Student Committee (FSC) elections officially open on 24 July. For the first time, the nomination process will be conducted entirely online, introducing a streamlined digital system designed to make participation faster, more accessible and more secure.
The Elections Logistics Committee (ELC), together with KDBS, acting as the Chief Electoral Administrator, has introduced an online nomination system to simplify the process, reduce administrative delays, and improve overall election efficiency.
ELC Chairperson,
Prof Sethulego Matebesi, encouraged students to participate actively during the nomination period.
“Nominations are a foundational act of democratic participation, as either nominating or standing for election enables students to directly shape who represents the interests of the CSRC and FSC,” he said.
Prof Matebesi added that the move to a digital platform streamlines the nomination process, improves election efficiency, reduces administrative delays, and makes it easier for students to participate.
How to submit an online nomination
Students wishing to contest the 2026/2027 elections may complete their self-nominations online from 24 to 26 July.
According to KDBS, students begin the process by accessing the election website or election app. They then enter their unique Nomination PIN, which is sent via email and SMS. Once the PIN has been verified, the system automatically populates the student’s details, including their name, student number, campus and faculty.
Students who have transferred from another UFS campus are advised to verify that their details are correct once the Voters’ Register has been published.
Candidates then select the portfolio they wish to contest, complete the required declarations, and submit their nomination. An automated confirmation is sent immediately after a successful submission.
The secondment period will take place from 27 to 29 July, during which supporting students will use their own Nomination PINs to endorse a candidate.
Candidates contesting under a student organisation must ensure that the organisation has submitted the name of its appointed representative to the Chief Electoral Administrator (CEA) and that their names appear on the list submitted by that representative.
Students are encouraged to consult the Election Nomination Guide before submitting their nominations. The guide provides detailed information on the nomination process, timelines, eligibility requirements, compliance procedures, and other important election-related information.
“The portal is fully mobile-responsive; students can nominate or accept a nomination from a phone as easily as from a computer,” said KDBS.
Eligibility and important reminders
These requirements include, among others:
- achieving an overall academic average of at least 60% across all UFS modules passed;
- passing at least 75% of the modules for which they were registered during the two semesters immediately preceding the semester in which the CSRC and FSC Elections are held;
- meeting the nomination requirements for the portfolio they wish to contest; and
- complying with the applicable disciplinary requirements.
Prof Matebesi encouraged students to approach the nomination process thoughtfully.
“Nominations are not just a formality but an opportunity for informed participation, responsible judgement, and the freedom to support the candidates they believe will best represent their interests.”
KDBS advised students to avoid common mistakes by requesting their Nomination PINs early, keeping them confidential, and submitting nominations well before the closing date. Each Nomination PIN may only be used once, either to stand as a candidate or to second a candidate’s nomination. Attempts to use another student’s PIN or to reuse a PIN will automatically be rejected by the system.
Following the close of nominations, a compliance period will allow candidates to address eligible compliance-related matters. However, this will not extend the nomination deadline.
Prof Matebesi also encouraged students who may be hesitant to stand for election to “participate with confidence”, noting that the Electoral Code of Conduct protects candidates and promotes a respectful and democratic environment for all participants.
Read the nomination rules and procedures