The Student Union of Okanagan (SUO) is pleased to share the results of the 2026/2027 SUO General Election, alongside the outcome of the U‑Pass Referendum and an important call for student leadership involvement. These developments mark a significant moment for student representation and engagement as the Union prepares for the upcoming academic year.
The 2026 SUO General Election was held from March 3 to March 6, 2026, and saw participation from 2,084 students, representing a turnout of 17.6 percent of the 11,841 eligible voters. The SUO thanks all students who took the time to cast their ballots and help shape the direction of student governance.
Several executive positions were filled during the election. Olivia Lai was elected President with 1,054 affirmative votes in an uncontested race. Shreya Patnaik was similarly confirmed as Vice-President Finance and Administration, receiving 960 votes. Quinlin Osadczuk was elected Vice-President Internal with 447 votes, while Naden Qually secured the role of Vice-President External with 972 votes in an uncontested election. Guransh Sandhu was also confirmed as Vice-President Campus Life with 915 votes. Together, these executive officers will lead the SUO through the 2026/2027 term.
Students also elected four Directors-at-Large to represent the broader student body on the SUO Board of Directors. The successful candidates were Laisa Pertet with 473 votes, Ashley Kyei-Badu with 435 votes, Fikayo Adeleke with 425 votes, and Oliver Hale with 422 votes. These directors will play a key role in governance and strategic decision-making within the Union.
In addition, Faculty Representative Directors were elected from several academic faculties. Liam Wallace was elected to represent the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences with 235 votes. Neela Rader was elected as the Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies Representative with 61 votes, while Ali Wasti received 89 votes to represent the Faculty of Health and Social Development. Amanda Bolton was elected as the Faculty of Science Representative with 352 votes. These representatives will serve as a vital link between their faculties and the SUO Board, ensuring that faculty-specific perspectives are reflected in Union decisions.
Alongside the general election, students voted in a referendum on whether to continue the U‑Pass program. The results showed strong support for maintaining the program, with 1,670 students voting in favour and 322 voting against. A total of 92 voters abstained. With the referendum passing, the U‑Pass will continue to provide students with affordable and accessible public transit options.
Following the election, the SUO is now calling on undergraduate students to step forward and help fill remaining leadership roles. Applications are currently open for Faculty Representative Director positions from the Faculty of Applied Science, the Faculty of Management, and the Faculty of Education. These roles are open to undergraduate students who are interested in representing their faculty and contributing to student governance at a higher level.
Faculty Representative Directors sit on the SUO Board of Directors and work collaboratively with other board members to oversee the management, administration, and affairs of the Union. This includes involvement in decisions related to SUO property, revenue, business operations, and advocacy priorities. Most importantly, Faculty Representatives bring forward the voices, concerns, and ideas of students from their respective faculties, ensuring that diverse perspectives are included in SUO decision-making.
The application period for these positions runs from March 13 to March 25, 2026. Students from the eligible faculties are strongly encouraged to apply and to share this opportunity with peers who may be interested. Continued promotion of this call will take place next week to help increase visibility and ensure that potential applicants are aware of the opportunity before the deadline.
The SUO looks forward to welcoming new leaders and working together with students to build a strong, inclusive, and responsive student union for the year ahead.
