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ELECTIONS CODE OF CONDUCT

@ASU2024

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Contents
Election Candidate Code of Conduct for 2024 - 2025 ASU Elections ................................................... 4
Preface .................................................................................................................................................... 4
General Guidelines.................................................................................................................................. 4
Specific Conduct Rules ........................................................................................................................... 5
Enforcement and Penalties ...................................................................................................................... 6
Conclusion .............................................................................................................................................. 6
Election Committee Code of Conduct for 2024 - 2025 ASU Elections.................................................. 7
Election Committee Positions ................................................................................................................. 7
General Responsibilities ......................................................................................................................... 7
Conduct Guidelines................................................................................................................................. 9
Prohibited Activities ............................................................................................................................. 10
Conclusion ............................................................................................................................................ 11

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Election Candidate Code of Conduct for 2024 - 2025 ASU Elections

Preface

The African Students Union (ASU) at Lovely Professional University has

always stood as a pillar of unity, growth, and representation for students from
diverse African countries. Our commitment to fostering leadership, promoting
cultural exchange, and ensuring a vibrant and inclusive community is reflected
in our democratic processes. The Election Candidate Code of Conduct for the
ASU Elections is a testament to our dedication to maintaining integrity,
fairness, and transparency in our elections.

General Guidelines

1. Formation of Parties:
- Candidates contesting for the position of President must select a Vice
President candidate from a different member country. These two candidates will
form a party and contest under one ballot.
- Candidates for the positions of Secretary General, Treasurer, and Public
Relations Officer must contest individually and are not allowed to form any
alliances or parties. Any violation of this rule will result in nullification of their
candidacy.

2. Campaign Conduct:
- All candidates must promote peace and unity among each other and within the
community throughout the election process.
- Candidates must adhere strictly to the guidelines outlined in the ASU
Constitution and the Election Candidate Code of Conduct.
- Any additional guidelines provided by the Election Committee must be
followed diligently.

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Specific Conduct Rules

1. Campaign Materials:
- All campaign materials (posters, flyers, etc.) must be respectful and must not
contain any offensive or defamatory content.
- Campaign materials should not be placed in unauthorized areas within the
university campus.

2. Public Speaking and Debates:

- Candidates must respect each other during public speaking events and debates.
Personal attacks and inflammatory remarks are strictly prohibited.
- The presidential debate and vetting will be conducted offline, and all
candidates must ensure they have the necessary equipment and environment as
previously outlined in the presence of other presidents and their vices who are
not contesting.

3. Use of Social Media:

- Social media campaigns must be conducted responsibly. False information,
hate speech, or any form of cyberbullying will not be tolerated.
- Those who wish to use ASU platforms should go through the PRO or
Secretary General of ASU.
- Candidates should report any cyberbullying incidents to the Election
Committee immediately.

4. Financial Conduct:
- All candidates must transparently manage and report their campaign finances
as required by the Election Committee.
- Any form of bribery or financial inducements to secure votes is strictly
prohibited and will result in immediate disqualification.
- Payment for candidacy:
- President: 2000 Rs

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 - Secretary: 1500 Rs
- PRO: 1000 Rs
- Treasurer: 1250 Rs

5. Respect for University Property:

- Candidates must ensure that their campaign activities do not damage
university property or image. Any damages will be the responsibility of the
candidate or their campaign team.

6. Election Dress Code:

- Full formal wear head to toe; otherwise, candidates will be disqualified.
- Disciplinary action will be conducted by the person appointed as Coordinator.

Enforcement and Penalties

- Any candidate found violating the code of conduct will be subject to

disciplinary actions, including warnings, fines, or disqualification, depending on
the severity of the violation.
- The Election Committee reserves the right to investigate any reported
violations and take appropriate actions in accordance with the ASU Constitution
and this Code of Conduct.

Conclusion

The African Students Union is committed to maintaining a democratic and

respectful election process. All candidates are expected to uphold the highest
standards of integrity and respect throughout their campaigns. Let's work
together to ensure a fair, peaceful, and successful election.

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Election Committee Code of Conduct for 2024 - 2025 ASU Elections

Election Committee Positions

1. Chairperson
2. Vice Chairperson
3. Treasurer
4. Secretary
5. Coordinator
6. Public Relations Officer (PRO)
7. General Duties Officer

General Responsibilities

1. Chairperson:
- Oversee the entire election process.
- Ensure all activities adhere to the ASU Constitution and the Election
Candidate Code of Conduct.
- Address and resolve any disputes or issues that arise during the election
process.
- Identified as an executive member during the elections and remain so until 100
days of office are concluded for the elects.
- Can call the parliament for reasons of impeaching any member of the
parliament under the circumstances of valid evidence of incompetence or
misconduct, and shall do so to come to a verdict with the help of parliament
members voting to support or against.

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 2. Vice Chairperson:
- Assist the Chairperson in their duties.
- Take over the Chairperson's responsibilities in their absence.
- Ensure smooth coordination among committee members.

3. Treasurer:
- Manage and oversee the financial aspects of the election process.
- Ensure transparent and accurate accounting of all election-related expenses
and revenues.
- Provide financial reports to the Election Committee and the ASU Executive.

4. Secretary:
- Document and maintain records of all election activities, meetings, and
decisions.
- Ensure all official communications are accurately recorded and disseminated
to relevant parties.
- Handle correspondence related to the election process.

5. Coordinator:
- Ensure logistical arrangements for all election-related events and activities.
- Coordinate with candidates and the university administration for smooth
execution of election processes.
- Manage the technical aspects of the online presidential debate.
- Oversee all positions and disciplinary actions.

6. Public Relations Officer (PRO):

- Manage communication between the Election Committee and ASU members.
- Promote the election process and ensure transparency in communications.

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 7. General Duties Officer:
- Oversee the entire election process in terms of security.
- Handle disciplinary actions against anyone that violates the constitution and
election mandate.
- Responsible for the removal of incompetent members of the election
committee.

Conduct Guidelines

1. Impartiality:
- All Election Committee members must remain neutral and unbiased
throughout the election process.
- Members must not endorse or support any candidate or party.

2. Confidentiality:
- Maintain confidentiality of all sensitive information related to the election
process.
- Do not disclose any internal discussions, decisions, or candidate information
without proper authorization.

3. Integrity:
- Uphold the highest standards of honesty and integrity in all election-related
activities.
- Ensure all actions and decisions are in the best interest of the ASU and its
members.

4. Transparency:
- Conduct all election processes with complete transparency.

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- Provide clear and accurate information to all candidates and ASU members
regarding election procedures and decisions.

5. Fairness:
- Ensure a fair and equal opportunity for all candidates.
- Address any complaints or grievances promptly and impartially.

6. Professionalism:
- Conduct all interactions with candidates and ASU members in a professional
and respectful manner.
- Avoid any behavior that could be perceived as unprofessional or biased.

7. Conflict Resolution:
- Handle conflicts and disputes in a timely and fair manner.
- Follow established procedures for conflict resolution and ensure all parties are
heard and respected.

8. Accountability:
- Take responsibility for all decisions and actions taken during the election
process.
- Report to the ASU Executive and provide detailed accounts of all activities
and financial transactions.

Prohibited Activities

1. Conflict of Interest:
- Avoid any activities that could create a conflict of interest or the appearance of
impropriety.

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- Disclose any potential conflicts to the Chairperson or the Vice Chairperson
immediately.

2. Bias and Discrimination:

- Do not exhibit any form of bias or discrimination based on race, gender,
nationality, or any other characteristic.
- Ensure all candidates are treated equally and fairly.

3. Tampering with Election Process:

- Do not engage in or allow any form of tampering with the election process.
- Ensure the security and integrity of all ballots and election materials.

Enforcement and Penalties

- Any Election Committee member found violating the code of conduct will be
subject to disciplinary actions, including removal from the committee,
depending on the severity of the violation.
- The ASU Executive reserves the right to investigate any reported violations
and take appropriate actions in accordance with the ASU Constitution and this
Code of Conduct.

Conclusion

The Election Committee is committed to conducting free, fair, and transparent

elections. All members are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity,
impartiality, and professionalism throughout the election process.

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