Editor’s Note: The results of the Winthrop student government election were announced March 29, after the deadline for this story. Imani Belton and Brandon Jackson were elected president and vice-president, respectively. 

Asia Perry
palmettoreport@gmail.com

(Rock Hill, S.C.) — The Winthrop University candidates for student government had the opportunity to present their ideas and address concerns during the annual Council of Student Leaders (CSL) election forum Monday, March 25.

The event, which served as a Winthrop cultural event, took place in McBryde Hall and allowed students to ask the candidates questions about changes they hoped to make on campus.

At the beginning of the forum, the candidates; Imani Belton, Brandon Jackson, Kalea Young-Gibson and Malik Frazier; introduced themselves and stated the position they were running for, which included president or vice president.

Belton said it was important for students to get to know the candidates and their future plans, if elected.

Alanna Rice, a Winthrop freshman, said she attended the event because she wanted to learn more about the candidates before choosing one.

“I didn’t really have a person going into this. That’s why I came, because I wanted to know who I was going to vote for, but this definitely solidified who I wanted to vote for,” said Rice.

She says she learned a lot about the future plans of each candidate.

Current CSL members also attended the forum and asked the candidates questions.

Current President Ximena Perez said she was excited about the turnout, which shows the student body’s support of student government.

“It’s bitter sweet. I think this has been the most rewarding, educational and surprising, in a positive way, thing I ever could’ve done in my college experience. I think today might be the proudest I ever been in my entire life,” said Perez.

She said the four candidates have been great council members who have helped her in her development as a leader.

“I’m so lucky to know the candidates, each on a personal and professional level and I know that however the election turns out it’s going to reflect what the students want. As the student body president that is all that matters to me,” said Perez.