Saint Louis University Kataas-taasang Sanggunian ng mga Mag-aaral/ Supreme Student Council (KASAMA/SSC) CONGRESS OF LOUISIANS Baguio City

SC 07 Conference Room Louisian Act Number 07-01-11

KASAMA-SSC OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE OF 2011

Be it enacted by the Congress of Louisians, in session duly assembled that:

GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 1. Section 2. Short Title. This code shall be known as the KASAMA/SSC Omnibus Election Code of 2011. Declaration of Principles. The Supreme Student Council shall recognize its existing principles and purposes as embodied in the Kataas-taasang Sanggunian ng mga Mag-aaral/Supreme Student Council (hereto referred as KASAMA/SSC for brevity) Constitution. a. The KASAMA/SSC is the autonomous, democratic, nationalist, and representative student government of Saint Louis University, the authority of which emanates from the students.1 b. The KASAMA/SSC recognizes its role in advancing the welfare, ideals, and aspirations of the studentry, and the role of the SLU administration, Faculty, and Personnel in all aspects of human development.2 c. The KASAMA/SSC shall endeavor to develop among the studentry a sense of service and responsibility so that they will utilize educational opportunities to the maximum for the unity and welfare of the University populace as well as the Filipino people.3 d. The Commission on Elections is the central governing and administrative body during the elections of the council. It shall uphold integrity and impartiality in all its dealings. Section 3. Scope and Applicability. This Code shall govern all election of KASAMA/SSC Officers. This Code shall also apply to all the usage, release and distribution of all sorts and forms of election materials or paraphernalia during the election season in the university for an orderly election.

ARTICLE I

1 2

Article II, Section 1. KASAMA/SSC Constitution (2000) Article II, Section 2. Ibid. 3 Article II, Section 4. Ibid. Louisian Act Number 07-01-11 Page 1 of 18

DEFINITION OF TERMS
Section 1. Definition of Terms. For the purposes of clarity and understanding, the following terms shall mean: a. Party. An organized group of at least three persons pursuing the same ideology, objective and platforms of student government. b. Independent Candidate. Any bona fide student vying for an elective position who does not belong to any of the registered parties or coalition of parties. c. Candidate. Refers to any bona fide student aspiring for or seeking an elective public office, who has all the necessary qualifications and none of the disqualifications and has filed a certificate of candidacy by himself or with an accredited political party or coalition of parties and duly approved by the Commission on Elections. d. Commission on Elections. The Commission on Elections (hereto referred as the Commission for brevity) is the over-all governing body exercising functions relative to the conduct of the KASAMA/SSC Elections. e. Central COMELEC. This is referred to otherwise as the COMELEC en banc whose membership is composed of the various Electoral Boards in every school. f. Slate. It refers to the assemblage of political candidates. g. Executive Committee. The governing body of the KASAMA/SSC upon whom executive powers are vested. h. School Assembly. The governing body of each school in the university as enunciated in Article X of the KASAMA/SSC Constitution and By-Laws. i. Official / Common Posting Area. The official and the only allowed areas for posting and placement of all campaign materials as duly designated and approved by the Commission with proper reference to the approval of the Students Affairs Office. Election Campaign / Partisan Political Activity. Any act designed to promote the election or defeat of a particular candidate or candidates, political party or coalition of parties to an elective public office engaged in by any candidate or supporter.

ARTICLE II

j.

k. Bloc Voting. The actual casting of votes using the name of the party only. l. Foreigner / Foreign Entity. Any natural or juridical entity that seeks to help and/or aid any candidate, political party or coalition of parties to promote the election or defeat of a certain candidate, political party or coalition of parties. It also refers to those student/s not duly enrolled in the university for the current term.

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Section 2.

Other Terms. Other terms stated and used in this Code which were not defined in the preceding paragraph are hereby referred to their meaning in the context in which they were used. Should there be any question and/or query arising thereof, the COMELEC en banc shall rule on the matter with utmost prudence and consideration of the context in which the word is used. The decision shall be made and released through a COMELEC resolution.

THE COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS

Section 1. Powers and Functions. The Commission shall have the power to4: a. exercise exclusive original jurisdiction over contest relating to the elections, returns and qualifications of the officers of the KASAMA/SSC; b. promulgate and enforce all the rules and regulations relative to the manner and conduct of an election; c. supervise together with the Dean of Student Affairs, Moderator, Adviser of the KASAMA/SSC and the Executive Committee, the conduct of primary elections and administer the election of officers of the KASAMA/SSC; Section 2. Supplementary Powers and Functions of the Commission on Elections. In addition to the powers and functions conferred upon it by the pertinent provisions of the KASAMA/SSC Constitution and By Laws, the Commission shall have exclusive charge of the enforcement and administration of all laws relative to the conduct of elections for the purpose of ensuring free, orderly and honest elections, and shall: a. Exercise direct and immediate supervision and control over its officials, members and volunteers. The Commission may relieve any officer, member or volunteer referred to in the preceding paragraph from the performance of his duties relating to electoral processes that violates the election law or fails to comply with its instructions, orders, decisions or rulings, and appoint his substitute. Upon recommendation of the COMELEC en banc, the corresponding proper authority shall suspend or remove from office any or all of such officer, members or volunteers, after due process, be found guilty of such violation or failure. b. Promulgate rules and regulations implementing the provisions of this Code or other laws which the Commission is required to enforce and administer that it may provide and fix in its rules and regulations. Rules and regulations promulgated by the Commission to implement the provisions of this Code shall take effect immediately upon approval. Orders and directives issued by the Commission pursuant to said rules and regulations shall be furnished by personal delivery to accredited political
4

ARTICLE III

Article I, Section 5(d). KASAMA/SSC By Laws (2000) Louisian Act Number 07-01-11

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parties and independent candidates within forty-eight (48) hours of issuance and shall take effect immediately upon receipt. c. Summon the parties to a controversy pending before it, issue subpoena and subpoena duces tecum5, and take testimony (subpoena ad testificandum6) in any investigation or hearing before it, and delegate such power to any commissioner of the Commission. In case of failure of a witness to attend, the Commission, upon proof of service of the subpoena to said witnesses, will bar further proceedings and/or interrogation to the witnesses unless otherwise provided by through a COMELEC resolution. It shall also have the power to investigate and, where appropriate, prosecute cases of violations of election laws, including acts or omissions constituting election fraud, offenses and malpractices. Any controversy submitted to the Commission shall, after compliance with the requirements of due process, be immediately heard and decided by it within forty eight (48) hours from submission thereof. No decision or resolution shall be rendered by the Commission unless taken up in a formal session properly convened for the purpose. d. Any violation of any final and executory decision, order or ruling of the Commission shall constitute contempt thereof. The punishment7 provided for by the Constitution shall apply. e. Enforce and execute its decisions, directives, orders and instructions. f. Prescribe the forms to be used in the election, plebiscite or referendum. g. Procure any and all supplies, equipment, materials or services needed for the holding of the election, moreover any procurement transaction should be subjected to audit or clearance from the Commission on Audit. h. Call for special and snap elections and the like should the need arise. i. Carry out a continuing and systematic campaign through newspapers of general circulation in the university and other media forms to educate the students and fully inform them about election laws, procedures, decisions, and other matters relative to the work and duties of the Commission and the necessity of clean, free, orderly and honest electoral processes.

Subpoena duces tecum is a writ issued by court authority that directs a person or persons to furnish specific documentats to be used as evidence in preparation for a trial or hearing. 6 Subpoena ad testificandum is a writ issued by court authority to compel the attendance of a witness at a judicial proceeding; disobedience may be punishable as a contempt of court. 7 Article I, Section 9 of the KASAMA/SSC By Laws (2000) provides: Any student found guilty of violating election laws, as promulgated by the COMELEC of the Congress of the Lousians, shall suffer the perpetual disqualification to hold any elective and appointive office in the KASAMA/SSC. College Assemblies and extra and co-curricular organizations, and deprivation of the rights of suffrage by the KASAMA/SSC, without prejudice to administrative sanction which may be imposed after complying with the requirements of due process in accordance with the SLU Student Handbook. The same punishment is provided in Article XIII, Section 2 of this Code. Louisian Act Number 07-01-11

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j.

Fix other reasonable periods for certain pre-election requirements in order that voters shall not be deprived of their right of suffrage and certain groups of rights granted them in this Code. Unless indicated in this Code, the Commission is hereby authorized to fix the appropriate period for the various prohibited acts enumerated herein, consistent with the requirements of free, orderly, and honest elections.

k. During the election season, the Commission shall have autonomy in disposing of its budget subject to existing Acts, Rules and Regulations relative to the matter. All necessary disbursements must be made with appropriate resolutions from the COMELEC en banc. l. It shall submit to the President and the Congress a comprehensive report on the conduct of each election, plebiscite, initiative, referendum, or recall.

m. It shall recommend to the Congress of Louisians any possible and reasonable amendments to this Code to further improve it and update its provisions in accordance to changes made within the council and within the university. n. To perform other functions not enumerated and stated herein, necessary for the furtherance of its duties.

REGISTRATION AND FILING OF CERTIFICATES OF CANDIDACY OF PARTIES & CANDIDATES

Section 1. Registration. Partisan political parties or coalition of parties must register with the Commission at anytime within four (4) days from the official start of filing of Certificates of Candidacy (COC), subject to the approval of the Commission. Independent candidates are allowed to register within the allotted time frame of filing of certificates of candidacy provided by the Commission. No religious sect shall be registered as a political party and no political party which seeks to achieve its goal through violence shall be entitled to accreditation. Section 2. Application for Registration. The application for the registration of a political party or coalition of parties shall be supported by the following: a. official list of candidates inclusive of their complete name, course, year and student identification number; b. platforms and programs of government; c. attestation of the application and verification by the member running for the highest position; d. official list of members and poll watchers. Section 3. Refusal and Cancellation of Party Registration. The Commission may, motu propio, or upon complaint of an interested party, refuse or cancel after notice and hearing, the registration of any party, organization or coalition on any of the following grounds: a. It advocates violence or unlawful means to seek its goals.
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ARTICLE IV

b. It refuses to uphold and adhere to the KASAMA/SSC Constitution. c. It declares untruthful statements in its petition. d. It violates or fails to comply with the rules and regulations relating to the elections.

ARTICLE V

CANDIDATES AND CERTIFICATES OF CANDIDACY

Section 1. Qualifications. Any person seeking an elective position must, at the time of filing his certificate, possess the required qualifications as enumerated under Article II of the KASAMA/SSC By Laws, and none of the disqualifications. Disqualifications. The following shall constitute to the disqualifications of any aspiring candidate for an elective position: a. A candidate for the position of President, Governor, Mayor or Year Level Representative must not be heading any university-wide8 or school-wide or extra or co-curricular organization.9 b. The candidate must have never been impeached, removed from office by reason of absences or expelled from any of the KASAMA/SSC offices. The Commission on Elections may require any office of the council to submit to it the list of names of the officer/s impeached, dismissed or expelled and certification of its truthfulness. Thus, the votes of candidates who have been disqualified shall not be counted during the canvassing of votes. Section 3. Section 4. Personal Filing. All candidates shall personally file their candidacy to the Commission. There shall be no party or proxy filing. Withdrawal of the Certificate of Candidacy. A candidate may formally withdraw his/her Certificate of Candidacy at any time before the first day of the campaign period by informing the Commission in writing. The withdrawal shall effect the disqualification of the candidate to be elected to the position. Double Filing. Any candidate who files two Certificates of Candidacy for different offices shall become ineligible for either position. However, before the expiration of the period for the filing of certificates of candidacy, the person who has filed more than one certificate of candidacy may declare under oath the office for which he desires to be eligible and cancel the certificate of candidacy for the other office or offices.

Section 2.

Section 5.

8 The university-wide and school-wide co curricular and extra organizations referred to in this Code pertains only those organizations duly registered with the Student Affairs Office for a specific term. 9 Article XI, Section 4. KASAMA/SSC By Laws (2000) provides:

No Student can head two or more duly recognized college-wide or university-wide extra and cocurricular organization at the same time. (emphasis supplied) Louisian Act Number 07-01-11 Page 6 of 18

Section 6.

Nuisance Candidates. The Commission may, on its own motion or upon petition of an interested party, refuse to give due course or cancel the Certificate of Candidacy if it is shown that the certificates was filed: a. to put the election process in mockery or disrepute; b. to cause confusion among voters by similarity of names of the registered candidates; c. by other circumstances or acts that clearly demonstrate that the candidate has no bona fide intention to run for the office , thus preventing a faithful determination of the true will of the electorate. The Commission shall declare the individual as a Nuisance Candidate through a formal resolution and the same shall be circulated to the duly registered political parties and/or independent candidates and other office/s necessary.

Section 7. Section 8.

Nicknames. The Commission shall recognize only one (1) nickname, screen name or alias of every candidate. Receipt of COC by the Commission. Only the Chairman, Deputy Chairman, Commissioners, Secretary General and the Deputy Secretary General shall have the duty to receive and acknowledge receipt of the certificate of candidacy.10 Petition to Deny or Cancel Certificate of Candidacy. A petition seeking to deny due course or to cancel a certificate of candidacy may be filed by the person on any of the grounds referred to in this Code and the KASAMA/SSC Constitution and By-Laws and other Pertinent Acts, Rules and Regulations. The petition may be filed at any time from the time of the filing of the certificate of candidacy but not later than 2 days before the election proper and shall be decided, after due notice and hearing, not later than 2 days before the election. Time Frame for the Filing of the Certificate of Candidacy. The filing of the Certificate of Candidacy of the aspiring candidates shall last for six (6) school days only, unless otherwise provided for by the Commission. Guest Candidacy. A political party may nominate and/or support candidates not belonging to it. Others. Other guidelines and procedures not stated herein may be adopted by the Commission in motu propio to ensure the smooth and orderly filing of the certificates of candidacy.

Section 9.

Section 10.

Section 11.

Section 12.

ELECTION CAMPAIGN
Section 1. Partisan Political Activity. No party or candidate shall engage in election campaign or partisan political activity except during the official campaign period. Any act designed to promote the election or defeat of a particular candidate shall be considered an election campaign or partisan political activity which may include but are not limited to:
10

ARTICLE VI

The Secretary General and the Deputy Secretary General of the Commission are appointed by the Chairman of the Commission as recommended by the majority of its commissioners. The functions of these officers shall be specified by the Commission. Louisian Act Number 07-01-11 Page 7 of 18

a. Forming organizations, associations, clubs, committees or other groups of persons for the purpose of soliciting votes and/or undertaking any campaign for or against a candidate; b. Holding political caucuses, conferences, meetings, rallies, parades, or other similar assemblies, for the purpose of soliciting votes and/or undertaking any campaign or propaganda for or against a candidate; c. Making speeches, announcements or commentaries, or holding interviews for or against the election of any candidate for public office; d. Publishing or distributing campaign literature or materials designed to support or oppose the election of any candidate; or e. Directly or indirectly soliciting votes, pledges, or support for or against a candidate. f. Any member or officials of the commission including election marshals are prohibited from engaging in any electioneering or partisan political activity. Section 2. Lawful Election Propaganda. The following rules shall govern the approval and posting of election posters and distribution of leaflets: a. Each party, with a complete slate in the Executive Committee and any slate in the School Assemblies, may put up one (1) campaign streamer in each of the respective campuses of the university not more than three (3) feet by nine (9) feet (3x9ft). b. A poster must not exceed the size of one whole cartolina11 (1.87ft x 2.37ft); c. For every posting area, each party may post; (1) one poster bearing the whole slate from Executive Committee to the School Assembly; (2) one poster bearing the Executive Committee candidates only; and (3) one poster bearing the names of the candidates for the School Assembly only; d. An independent candidate is only allowed a poster with a dimension not over 8 X 11 (short bond paper), and the same must bear the name and the address of the payer or donor of the poster and the number of copies of the poster; e. Leaflets shall not exceed the size of 8 X 11 (short bond paper) and must bear the number of the payer or donor of the poster and the number of copies of the poster; f. Posters shall not be posted or used without the seal of the Commission and the approval of the Student Affairs Office. Likewise, leaflets and all other types of election campaign materials shall not be used or distributed without securing permission from the Commission. An approved and authenticated copy of the same shall be provided to the Commission, the Student Affairs Office and another copy shall be kept by the party or candidate for reference.12
11 12

Maximum size of posters as provided for and regulated by the Student Affairs Office. Chapter IV, Item 07. SLU Student Handbook (2007) Louisian Act Number 07-01-11

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In the absence of the official seal of the Commission, the signature of any the Commissioners shall suffice. Section 3. Disqualification of Candidate. In addition to Article V, Section 2 of this Code, the following shall be disqualified from continuing as candidate: a. One who has given material consideration to influence or corrupt the voters or any of the members or officials of the Commission; b. One who has engaged in any of the following unlawful election propaganda as herein enumerated: b.1. distributing any material which contains any information, which are not well founded, for the purpose of destroying the credibility of any candidate or party; b.2. tampering or destroying campaign paraphernalia of other candidates or parties, orally defaming other candidates or parties and/or inducing others to do the same relative to Items 17 and 21, Chapter IV of the SLU Student Handbook without prejudice to any administrative sanction which may be imposed in accordance to the provisions of Item 14, Chapter IV of the SLU Student Handbook; c. One who has violated any provisions of this Code. Section 4. Campaign Duration. The official start of the campaign period shall be determined by the Commission and shall end at 7:00 PM of the day before the elections. All campaign materials and paraphernalia of the candidates, political parties or coalition of parties shall be removed on or before 9:00 PM of the same day. Candidate Responsibility Toward Supporters. The candidates, political parties or coalition of parties must ensure that their supporters are well-aware and wellinformed of the campaign rules and pertinent provisions of this Code. Any violation with regard to the provisions of this Code by the supporter showing the direct involvement of a candidate may lead to an investigation and sanctions may apply. Room-to-Room Campaign. A candidate or party may enter a classroom to campaign only during the five-minute interval between class periods or before the second bell rings or during class periods as may be authorized or allowed by the instructor of the class period. Campaign in Dormitories. No candidate or party may campaign in the dormitories during the study period unless duly permitted by the Director of the Residence Hall. Official Headquarters. A party with a line up from the Executive Committee to the different School Assemblies may be allowed to use one (1) class room13 as an official headquarters during the election season and during the official canvassing of votes. The request for such use shall be duly noted by the

Section 5.

Section 6.

Section 7.

Section 8.

The usage of the class room is subject to its availability as provided and indicated by the officer-in-charge of the facility. Louisian Act Number 07-01-11 Page 9 of 18

13

Chairman of the Commission and the use should be approved by the Student Affairs Office. Section 9. Campus Media Releases within the Election Season. University-wide or School publications are prohibited from utilizing such publications as a means of endorsing or campaigning for a particular candidate. Candidates who shall utilize such publications for their campaign in whatever manner shall cause a ground for disqualification. Election and Political Campaign outside the Official Campaign Period. It shall be unlawful for any person, whether or not a voter or candidate, or for any party, or association of persons, to engage in an election campaign or partisan political activity except during the campaign period. Foreign Intervention. It shall be unlawful for any foreigner, whether juridical or natural person, to aid any candidate or political party, directly or indirectly, or take part in or influence in any manner any election, or to contribute or make any expenditure in connection with any election campaign or partisan political activity. COMELEC Poster Areas. The Commission shall also designate and provide for a common poster area in strategic places in each building wherein candidates can announce and further their candidacy through posters, said space to be likewise allocated free of charge, equally and impartially by the Commission among all the candidates concerned. COMELEC Information Bulletin. The Commission shall cause the printing, and supervise the dissemination of bulletins to be known as the "COMELEC Bulletin" which shall be of such size as to adequately contain the picture, bio-data and program of government of the candidates for the Executive Committee and the list of all qualified candidates to run for public office. It shall also contain necessary news, laws, resolutions, guidelines, rules, regulations, policies and updates from the Commission with regards to the elections. The said bulletin shall be disseminated to the voters or displayed in such places as to give due prominence thereto. a. Any candidate, political party or coalition of parties may reprint at his expense, any "COMELEC Bulletin" upon prior authority of the Commission, provided that the printing of the names of the different candidates with their bio-data must be in alphabetical order14 irrespective of party affiliation.

Section 10.

Section 11.

Section 12.

Section 13.

PRECINCTS AND POLLING PLACES

Section 1. Precincts and their Establishment. The unit of territory for the purpose of voting is the election precinct. The Commission shall determine the establishment of any and all election precincts including its number. Election precincts shall be separated per school and from their respective year levels.
14

ARTICLE VII

Alphabetical order of the candidates family name. Louisian Act Number 07-01-11

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The precincts actually established in the preceding regular election shall be maintained, but the Commission may introduce such adjustments, changes or new divisions or abolish them, if necessary. The official list of precincts should be published and should be posted in the COMELEC bulletin board at least three (3) days before the Election Day. Section 2. Polling Places. A polling place is the classroom, area or places where the board of election inspectors conducts its proceedings and where the voters shall cast their votes. Designation of Polling Places. The location of polling places designated in the preceding regular election shall continue with such changes as the Commission may find necessary. COMELEC Special Precinct. Aside from the regular precincts for the students/electorates, a Special Precinct shall be created by the Commission. The special precinct shall cater only to the members and officials of the Commission. Votes of the members and officials of the Commission shall be casted at least one (1) day earlier (advanced elections) before the Election Day, set aside in a separate box to be later on dropped to the proper precinct of the school which they actually belong. The Commission shall create rules and regulations for the conduct of the advance elections of the duly certified members and officials of the Commission to ensure the conduct of an honest, clean and free election within its ranks.

Section 3.

Section 4.

SCHOOL ELECTORAL BOARDS

Section 1. Composition. The School Electoral Board (hereinafter referred as SEB) for each of the different schools in the university shall be composed of a duly appointed Chairperson, and four (4) members to administer elections in their respective schools. A member thereof shall be the chairman of the BEI to be assigned per polling place. The composition of the SEB shall be determined by the Congress of Louisians, through its Commission on Appointments as provided for in Sec. 5 (a), Article 1 of the By-Laws of the KASAMA/SSC. Section 2. Powers and Functions. The SEB shall have the following powers and functions: a. Act as deputies of the Commission in the supervision and control of the election in the different polling places of their respective schools wherein they are assigned, to assure the holding of the same in a free, orderly and honest manner; b. Resolve all issues and matters arising during the conduct of the election in their respective schools. Should there be any election protest filed before the SEB, the Commissioner shall inform the Chairman of the Central COMELEC of the existence of such. The former shall call for an en banc session of the Commission to resolve the protest; and
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ARTICLE VIII

c. Perform such other functions prescribed by this Code, by the rules and regulations, orders and directives promulgated by the Commission.

ARTICLE VIII

BOARD OF ELECTION INSPECTORS

Section 1. Composition. There shall be Board of Election Inspectors in every precinct and shall be composed of a Chairman of the Board/Election Supervisor, two (2) members and two (2) marshals. The Chairman of the BEI shall come from one of the members of the School Electoral Board. The two (2) members and two (2) marshals are student volunteers coming from their own respective schools, duly identified by the SEB. Section 2. Powers of the Board of Election Inspectors. The board of election inspectors shall have the following powers and functions: a. Conduct the voting and counting of votes in their respective polling places; b. Act as deputies of the Commission in the supervision and control of the election in the polling places wherein they are assigned, to assure the holding of the same in a free, orderly and honest manner; and c. Perform such other functions prescribed by this Code, by the rules and regulations, orders and directives promulgated by the Commission. Section 3. Prohibition of Political Activity. No member of the board of election inspectors shall engage in any partisan political activity or take part in the election except to discharge his duties as such and to vote.

WATCHERS
Section 1. Official Watchers of the Candidates. Every registered political party, coalition of political parties and every independent candidate shall each be entitled to two (2) watchers only in every polling place. No poll watcher/s shall be appointed by the candidates unless he is a duly enrolled and bona fide student of the university. Section 2. Rights of the Watchers. The watchers shall have the right to stay in the space reserved for them inside the polling place to witness and inform themselves of the proceedings of the Electoral Boards, to take notes and photographs of the proceedings, to file against any irregularity or violation of these rules.

ARTICLE IX

CASTING OF VOTES
Section 1. Voting Hours. The casting of votes will be held within the University premises from 8:00 AM until 7:00 PM except in the School of Law where it shall be from
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ARTICLE X

Louisian Act Number 07-01-11

3:00 PM until 7:00 PM or unless otherwise provided and designated by the Commission through an official COMELEC resolution. Section 2. Inspection of Ballots. To ensure the secrecy of the ballot, the Commissioners of the Commission, together with the authorized representative of the contending parties, shall, before the start of the actual voting, inspect the polling place, the ballot boxes and the polling booths. Absence of the representatives of either political party shall be duly noted and reflected in the minutes of the election of the Board of Election Inspectors. Inspection Circumstances. The circumstances of the inspection shall be reflected in the minutes of the proceedings by the election officer assigned per precinct. Before ballots are issued, the same shall be authenticated by the Chairman of the Board of Election Inspectors. Minutes of the Election. The Member of the Board of Election Inspectors of the precinct shall keep minutes of the entire proceedings including all events and circumstances relevant to the election. The minutes shall thereafter be countersigned by the representatives or watchers. Failure to sign on the part of the watchers shall be duly noted. BEI Chairmans Ruling. The Chairman of the Board of Election Inspectors may rule on any question relating to and that arose during the conduct of the election in their respective precincts. Protests. Any interested party may file a protest based on the conduct of the election which shall be noted and recorded in the minutes. Three (3) Meter Rule. Candidates and supporters are required to distance themselves at least three (3) meters from the area designated for the voters. The same shall be duly measured and marked by the Commission. Authentication of the Ballot Boxes. As soon as the polls close, the ballot boxes shall be sealed and shall be signed by the Board of Election Inspectors for the respective precincts. The remaining ballots in the Board of Election Inspectors shall be torn crosswise into approximately two (2) equal parts and placed in a long brown manila envelope, sealed and signed by all members of the Election Board of the precinct. The same shall be surrendered to the Secretary General of the Commission.

Section 3.

Section 4.

Section 5.

Section 6. Section 7.

Section 8.

CANVASSING OF VOTES
Section 1. Central Board of Canvassers. There shall be a Central Board of Canvassers (hereinafter referred as CBOC for brevity) which shall tally all the votes for the positions in the Executive Committee and verify all the results of the different school assemblies. The CBOC shall be chaired by the Chairman of the Commission and the rest of the Commissioners as its members. Board of Canvassers. The different Board of Election Inspectors shall be the official board of canvassers for each of the polling precincts. The same members
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ARTICLE XI

Section 2.

Louisian Act Number 07-01-11

of the board of election inspectors shall constitute the members of the board of canvassers. Section 3. Ballot Inventory. Ballot boxes from all precincts shall be brought to the Diego Silang Lobby for proper identification and inventory. The official canvassing building shall be designated by the Commission. Canvassing Boundary. No candidate or party representative other than the poll watchers may be allowed to cross the boundary designated for the canvassers. Nicknames. Nicknames, aliases, screen names, first names, family names shall be acknowledged as valid votes, unless contending candidates have the same. Problems arising from the names of the candidates shall be resolved by the COMELEC en banc. Bloc Voting. Bloc voting shall not be recognized. Wrong Spelling. Misspelled names shall be valid provided that it reads the same as that of the actual spelling. Authorized Persons to Enter the Canvassing Building. All Louisians, may they be enrolled or alumnus, are allowed to enter the building designated for the official canvassing provided that they adhere to the university security policies. Proclamation of the Result of the Election in the Polling Place. Immediately upon the completion of the election returns, the chairman of the board of election inspectors shall orally and publicly announce the total number of votes received in the election in the polling place by each and every one of the candidates, stating their corresponding office. Proclamation. The winners of the KASAMA/SSC Elections shall be proclaimed.15

Section 4. Section 5.

Section 6. Section 7. Section 8.

Section 9.

Section 10.

ELECTION PROTESTS
Section 1. Jurisdiction of the Commission. The Commission shall be the sole judge of all contests relating to the elections, returns, and qualifications of all elective offices in the council. Any party aggrieved may file an appeal before the Student Court within two (2) days upon receipt thereof of the decision of the Commission. Electoral Protests. Electoral protests shall be filed formally in writing within forty-eight (48) hours after the proclamation of winning candidates. The Central COMELEC shall decide within forty-eight hours upon receipt of the protest. All election cases shall be heard and decided by the COMELEC en banc with the concurrence of the majority of its members.16 Protests. All protests or complaints shall be forwarded to the Central COMELEC. The Central COMELEC shall not entertain any objection or opposition unless reduced into writing.

ARTICLE XII

Section 2.

Section 3.

15 16

Article I, Section 8. KASAMA/SSC By Laws (2000) Article I, Section 7. KASAMA/SSC By Laws (2000) Louisian Act Number 07-01-11

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Section 4. Section 5.

Evidence. Upon receipt of the evidence, the Central COMELEC shall consider the objection and immediately make a ruling thereon which shall be put into writing. Appeal. Any party adversely affected by the ruling may appeal the same to the Student Court within two (2) school days from receipt thereof of the adverse decision of the Central COMELEC.

ELECTION OFFENSES
Section 1. Prohibited Acts. The following shall be guilty of an election offense: a. Vote-buying and vote-selling. 1. Any person who gives, offers or promises money or anything of value, gives or promises any office or employment, franchise or grant, public or private, or makes or offers to make an expenditure, directly or indirectly, or cause an expenditure to be made to any person, group of persons, association or organization in order to induce anyone or the public in general to vote for or against any candidate or withhold his vote in the election, or to vote for or against any aspirant for the nomination or choice of a candidate in a convention or similar selection process of a political party; 2. Any person, group of persons, association or organization who solicits or receives, directly or indirectly, any expenditure or promise of any office or employment, public or private, for any of the foregoing considerations. b. Conspiracy to Bribe Voters. Two or more persons, whether candidates or not, who come to an agreement concerning the commission of any violation of paragraph (a) of this section and decide to commit it. c. Wagering Upon the Result of the Election. Any person who bets or wagers upon the outcome of, or any contingency connected with an election. Any money or thing of value or deposit of money or thing of value situated anywhere in the Philippines put as such bet or wager shall be forfeited to the Commission. d. Undue Influence. It is unlawful for any person to promise any office, which may induce anyone or the public in general either to vote or withhold his vote, or to vote for or against any candidate in any election or any aspirant for the nomination or selection of an official candidate in a convention of a political party. It is likewise unlawful for any person or association, to solicit or receive, directly or indirectly, promise or any office, public or private, for any of the foregoing considerations. e. On candidacy and campaign. 1. Any person, who abstracts, destroys or cancels any certificate of candidacy duly filed and which has not been cancelled upon order of the Commission. 2. Any person who misleads the Commission by submitting any false or spurious certificate of candidacy or document to the prejudice of a candidate.
Louisian Act Number 07-01-11 Page 15 of 18

ARTICLE XIII

3. Any person, who, being authorized to receive certificates of candidacy, receives any certificate of candidacy outside the period for filing the same and makes it appear that said certificate of candidacy was filed on time; or any person who, by means of fraud, threat, intimidation, terrorism or coercion, causes or compels the commission of said act. 4. Any person who solicits votes or undertakes any propaganda, on the day of election, for or against any candidate or any political party within the polling place. Section 2. Penalties and Punishments. Any student found guilty of violating election laws, as promulgated by the COMELEC and other acts enacted by the Congress of the Lousians, shall suffer the perpetual disqualification to hold any elective and appointive office in the KASAMA/SSC, College Assemblies and extra and cocurricular organizations, and deprivation of the rights of suffrage by the KASAMA/SSC, without prejudice to administrative sanction which may be imposed after complying with the requirements of due process in accordance with the SLU Student Handbook.17

MISCELLANEOUS AND TRANSITORY PROVISIONS

Section 1. Section 2. Obligation to Vote. It shall be the obligation of every student qualified to vote to cast his vote during the elections. Postponement of Election. When for any serious cause such as violence, terrorism, loss or destruction of election paraphernalia or records, force majeure, and other analogous causes of such a nature that the holding of a free, orderly and honest election should become impossible in any political subdivision, the Commission may, in motu propio or upon a verified petition by any interested party, and after due notice and hearing, whereby all interested parties are afforded equal opportunity to be heard, shall postpone the election therein to a date which should be reasonably close to the date of the election not held, suspended or which resulted in a failure to elect but not later than ten (10) days after the cessation of the cause for such postponement or suspension of the election or failure to elect. Failure of Election. If, on account of force majeure, violence, terrorism, fraud, or other analogous causes the election in any polling place has not been held on the date fixed, or had been suspended before the hour fixed by law for the closing of the voting, or after the voting and during the preparation and the transmission of the election returns or in the custody or canvass thereof, such election results in a failure to elect, and in any of such cases the failure or suspension of election would affect the result of the election, the Commission shall, on the basis of a verified petition by any interested party and after due notice and hearing, call for the holding or continuation of the election not held, suspended or which resulted in a failure to elect on a date reasonably close to the date of the election not held, suspended or which resulted in a failure to elect but not later than ten (10) days after the cessation of the cause of such postponement or suspension of the election or failure to elect. Availability of the Election Code. A printed copy of this Code shall be provided

ARTICLE XIII

Section 3.

Section 4.
17

Article I, Section 9. KASAMA/SSC By Laws (2000) Louisian Act Number 07-01-11

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and be made available by the Commission in every polling place, in order that it may be readily consulted by any person in need thereof on the registration, revision and election days. Section 5. Failure to Assume Office. The office of any student official elected who fails or refuses to take his oath of office within ten (10) days from his official induction shall be considered vacant, unless said failure is for a cause or causes beyond his control.

FINAL PROVISIONS
Section 1. Amendatory Clause. These rules may be amended by the Congress of Louisians by two-thirds (2/3) votes from all of its members. Any amendment to these rules shall take effect upon the approval of the two-thirds (2/3) of all the members of the Congress of Louisians. Separability Clause. If for any reason any section or provision of this Code, or any portion thereof, or the application of such section, provision or portion to any person, group or circumstance is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remainder of this Code or the application of such section, provision or portion thereof to other persons, groups or circumstances shall not be affected by such declaration. Repealing Clause. All other election laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and regulations, or parts thereof, inconsistent with the provisions of this Code are hereby repealed. Effectivity Clause. These rules shall take effect immediately upon approval.

ARTICLE XIV

Section 2.

Section 3.

Section 4.

Passed by the Congress of Louisians this 13th day of July, 2011.

APPROVED: Hon. Hamilton B. Macagne 3rd and 4th Year Representative, School of Teacher Education Speaker Authenticated: Ms. Monica C. Tumada Secretary General Congress of Louisians

Louisian Act Number 07-01-11

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Carried, AHMED ABDULLAH KHAYEF Deputy Speaker GLORY ANNE A. BACANI Member (CCPG) VIRGILIO M. BALTAZAR, JR. Member (SCIS) ALLAN B. CASTRO Member (STE) DENVER T. DAVID Member (BIBAK) JAKE W. DAWIGOY Member (BAGGS) NICOLE A. DOMINGO Member (SON) JOPIE B. FERRER Member (VINCULUM) ANNA MARIE G. GAMBOA Member (SEA) EDWARD ANG C. KYU, JR. Member (SOH) MELVA M. MACUSI Member (SABM) KIMBERLY C. MENDOZA Member (SOH) OLIBRIAN P. MALLARI Member (SNS) CHARLES HENRI L. MOLINTAS Member (SOM) REYNOLD L. ORSUA Member (DebSoc) ARNEL JAY A. PADUA Member (SON) LEO L. PAGANDIYAN Member (SOL) KIMBERLY O. PEREZ Member (SEA) JESTER H. ROQUE Member (SABM) FRANCIS GREI H. SEBASTIAN Member (SNS) PHILIP MILES L. TANGUILAN Member (ECOLODIANS) JAN DARIN C. TINDOWEN Member (SLAS)

Noted: ATTY. BERNARD D. PADANG Adviser KASAMA/SSC

Louisian Act Number 07-01-11

DR. NOEL B. DE LEON Moderator KASAMA/SSC

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