ASFA CEO resigns unexpectedly before election polls open

Just two hours before polls were set to open for the Arts and Science Federation of Associations general election, Chief Electoral Officer Chris Webster resigned.

“It kind of surprises everyone, no one saw this coming,” said VP Internal Schubert Laforest. 

According to Annex A, the bylaws that govern ASFA elections, the executive must take over an election in the circumstance that a CEO is absent. Laforest and President Alex Gordon immediately acted to set up the polling booths, but were one hour late to start.

Laforest said that Webster resigned due to “the atmosphere of the elections” and because of a Judicial Committee decision yesterday that accused the CEO of illegally allowing candidate Eric Moses Gashirabake to change his candidacy from VP Internal to VP Academic and Loyal Affairs. The JC ruled that Moses Gashirabake will be docked 65 votes off of his total for the infraction and will not receive reimbursement for one fifth of his campaign expenses.

Jeansil Bruyere, candidate for VP Academic and Loyola Affairs, filed the complaint. Now instead of running unopposed, Bruyere is running against Moses Gashirabake.

Laforest said that Webster did not agree with the decision, but was not at risk of losing his job over it.

“During the hiring process [Webster] seemed like the most capable and competent candidate their was and everyone on council who appointed him really had high hopes,” said Gordon.

This is the second ASFA CEO to resign this year. Marvin Cidamon resigned in October after being accused of violating Annex A during the fall by-election.

“I fear in the back of my mind that [candidates] might commit [violations] at this moment in time, but it wouldn’t be the CEO who would see it, it would be him who would deal with it after the fact,“ said Gordon. “If a contestation does come up it would go to the JC, so there are still bodies in place that could take measures if need be.”

ASFA general elections continue until Friday. Students can vote in the Hall or Library buildings and at Loyola campus.

If students see suspicious activity during polling, they are encouraged to contact the JC or the media.