The University of the Free State (UFS) has introduced several measures aimed at strengthening transparency, fairness, and student participation ahead of the 2026/2027 Campus
Student Representative Council (CSRC) and Faculty Student Council (FSC) elections.
Prof Sethulego Matebesi, Chairperson of the Elections Logistics Committee (ELC), said the University has implemented improvements based on lessons learnt from the previous election cycle to ensure a credible and inclusive Elections process.
The 2026/2027 CSRC and FSC elections will take place from 17 to 19 August 2026 across the University’s campuses.
Learning from previous challenges
Prof Matebesi acknowledged that the 2025/2026 elections presented several logistical challenges, particularly due to the compressed election timetable. “A major challenge in the 2025/2026 CSRC and FSC elections was a tight election schedule that created ripple effects across planning, training, and verification processes,” he said. “Strict yet phased timelines with clearer milestones, transparent candidate guidelines, and the maximisation of voter turnout underscore this approach.”
He added that the ELC has also clarified the role of the Chief Elections Administrator (CEA) and its own role, in order to improve accountability and operational efficiency.
According to Prof Matebesi, while the CEA is responsible for independent election management services and technology implementation, the ELC oversees student coordination and the physical management of the election process across campuses.
Prof Matebesi said the ELC has retained its experienced election service provider while expanding the use of digital systems to improve efficiency and accessibility. “Building on the 2024/2025 commitment to innovation and student engagement, this year’s nominations and appeals will also be digitalised. This strengthens efficiency, reduces administrative delays, and supports a more streamlined, student-friendly election process,” he said.
Another major development is the introduction of an Independent Appeals Panel. “Its role is to strengthen confidence in the process by separating appeal decisions from operational election management, thereby reinforcing credibility, accountability, and procedural justice,” he said.
Increasing student participation
With student voter turnout remaining of concern nationally, the ELC has introduced targeted initiatives to encourage more students to participate in this year’s elections. “The ELC has several targeted outreach strategies aimed at increasing student voter turnout, especially first-year students,” Prof Matebesi said.
These initiatives include first-year orientation sessions, pre-election briefings, regular reminders throughout the election period, and a simplified online voting system. Prof Matebesi said these efforts are intended to ensure students are well-informed and actively participate in choosing their representatives.
The ELC has also strengthened measures aimed at ensuring every candidate competes on an equal footing. “We operate under strict institutional neutrality and equity,” Prof Matebesi said. “We ensure a level playing field by allocating resources universally to all independent candidates and student organisations to present their manifestos … The nomination, appeals, voting, and results processes are all digital, with no human interference, which helps ensure neutrality through equal access, secure participation, and transparent verification.”
Prof Matebesi added that compulsory candidate training on the Elections Code of Conduct and signed compliance pledges will help minimise misinformation and promote responsible campaigning.
Strengthening student democracy
Prof Matebesi described student elections as an important platform for developing future leaders and strengthening democratic governance within the University. “Student elections occupy a pivotal place in the democratic life of the University because they function not merely as representational exercises, but as formative civic institutions through which students acquire the practices, norms, and responsibilities of democratic participation,” he said.
He encouraged students who may feel disconnected from student politics to participate in the elections. “Your vote matters because CSRC and FSC decisions affect fees and housing, academic support, campus safety, and student services. If you feel disconnected, attend a briefing, ask questions, or speak to a student ambassador. Your perspective is important.”
Prof Matebesi said the ELC’s goal is to deliver an election that reflects the democratic will of students through a secure, transparent, and accessible process. “A successful Elections process must therefore be understood as one in which the will of students is credibly and transparently realised through a secure, accessible, and procedurally fair framework that commands confidence across the University community.”
He concluded by saying that the success of the elections would ultimately be measured by meaningful student participation, confidence in the Elections process, and the ability of elected student leaders to represent the interests of the UFS community.