Several allegations of campaign misconduct ahead of the official campaigning period has put into question the viability of a short campaigning period. Two candidates, William Stein and Zulum Elumogo are reported to have began lobbying societies for endorsements.
Allegations against William Stein detail that several members of his campaign are contacting committee members ahead of the official campaigning timeline. These allegations add up to previous reports of misconduct involving the filming of a campaign video ahead of time.
Zulum Elumogo, the incumbent running for a second term, is reportedly infringing on the same rules. However, The Beaver cannot confirm whether the Returning Officer has received an official complaint against him.
Members of the Labour Society told The Beaver that several committee members, regular members – and ex-committee members who are now alumni – have reported being bothered by the constant messaging from Stein’s campaign. Additionally a committee member of British People Of Colour (BPOC) who spoke to us in a condition of anonymity adds that Zulum Elumogo has also contacted societies in search for endorsements.
The Beaver has confirmed that the Returning Officer has received some of these complaints, and cannot confirm whether he is investigating all of these complaints. However, he has not yet finished his investigation on this matter. An official ruling will be released when the investigation is concluded and campaigning starts. Anyone with information regarding these or any other irregularities is encouraged to contact The Beaver, and to submit an official complaint to the Returning Officer.
The Returning Officer has also added that he has received other official complaints involving several unnamed candidates – mainly potential minor offences. A complaints log will be published and updated once campaigning officially starts.
[The Office of the Returning Officer has asked us to add a disclaimer noting that some of the claims in this article have not been presented to the officer]
