2025 general election: President
Naomie Bakana
Naomie Bakana, who had served as VP Internal during the previous term, is running for the position of SU president.
Bakana’s SU journey began as an Arts Representative, notably co-creating the Black Excellence Scholarship. Sitting on the board and noticing where improvements could be made, she then pursued further and was elected VP Internal in the following term.
Bakana’s platform focuses on several key points, including domestic and international tuition caps, ensuring the continuation of benefits for students in the STEP program, advocating for the university to adopt a Student Bill of Rights and beginning the development of a plan to expand MacEwan Hall.
As tuition hikes remain a pressing issue for the student body, Bakana ensures she will maintain a 2 per cent tuition cap on domestic tuition and work towards a cap for international fees. She explained how the duty of sitting on the Tuition and Fees Consultation Committee will aid in this advocacy.
“Any way that we can keep it affordable and reasonable, so that’s why I would use my own seat on that committee to kind of push for that, and then also I would really want to push for the government to fund universities more,” she said.
Expanding MacEwan Hall is a key platform point for Bakana, ensuring that amenities keep up with the growing student population. She acknowledged the long-term commitment of this goal.
“It’s not something that I can get done through my own presidential position, but at least having a framework can be something that’s passed on to the next SLC,” she explained.
However, the benefit of a MacEwan Hall expansion is unaddressed.
With previous SU experience, and a strong commitment to advocating for student needs, Bakana has proven her ability to execute successful initiatives and create change for the student body. Overall, Bakana is a strong candidate for SU President.
Matthew Johnson
Matthew Johnson is a second year political science student running to be the next SU president.
Johnson is an external candidate without prior SU experience. However, as an executive in the Political Science Association with experience leading local campaigns, Johnson believes that there are gaps in the current SU’s processes.
“I have grown a little frustrated with the way the SU has been run for the past couple of years,” said Johnson.
For example, he praises the current SU’s 2025 Pre-Budget Submission itself but believes that the opportunity was missed to do more with students.
“It’s not enough to create a submission and not do anything else,” said Johnson. “It has to be a long campaign that does not start and stop with the budget.”
Johnson presents a well-balanced platform with a strong emphasis on student engagement, advocacy and campus improvements. Specific initiatives such as increasing Halal, Kosher and Vegan options in MacEwan Hall, utilizing empty classrooms for prayer spaces and improving campus internet are relevant and feasible.
When advocating to the province, however, his goal to return government funding to 2019 levels is highly ambitious. While advocacy is valuable, these promises may be difficult to deliver within a single term. Johnson, however, believes that the SU can leverage more negotiating power by working with other SUs in the province.
“There is strength in numbers. I don’t think this process stops after the election is over,” said Johnson, adding that collaboration with SU executives and representatives is essential to having greater student engagement.
His proposal to explore affordable student housing through a non-profit construction outfit is an innovative idea, though its feasibility depends on partnerships beyond the SU’s direct control. However, a presidential candidate willing to think outside the box is commendable.
Matthew Johnson’s platform is student-focused and well-organized, with a strong emphasis on advocacy, transparency and student life. However, promises involving provincial government action may be beyond the scope of what the SU can realistically achieve.Overall, Johnson is also a strong candidate for President.
All undergraduate students may vote for one of the two candidates for PRESIDENT or ABSTAIN from voting.