As the Strath Union elections approach, we spoke to the Presidential candidates about their manifestos. If you’d like to know a little more about them, here’s what they had to say.
Jamie Campbell
You may already recognise Jamie as the Green Frog and your current Vice President Community. They are passionate about their role and, as Strath Union President, would like to continue representing students’ needs.
Jamie’s “proudest achievement” as VP Community was “holding Winter Welcome in January – an entire month of events, including speed meetings, campus tours, freshers’ stalls, and an international food fair. It brought all the staff together, and an important part of it was ensuring we were aware of the issues international students were facing.” She says she would now like to “expand on that, explore more opportunities, and further involve international students.”
Three words that best describe Jamie: passionate, diplomatic, leader.
Fraser Brown
Passionate about politics, Fraser spends his free time writing musical theatre. His involvement in theatre has made him a “very confident public speaker,” which he believes will help him represent the student body “in multiple different scenarios, both in and around the Union itself,” as well as in “interacting with the wider Scottish, UK, and international community.’
As Strath Union President, Fraser aims to achieve a “greater level of transparency and visibility” in how students perceive the Union and to help them understand what it can do for them. He also wants to increase democratic engagement, encouraging more students to vote on policies and the people who influence them, ensuring the Union better reflects their views.
Three words that best describe Fraser: outgoing, energetic, creative.
Abdul Eneser
Abdul is a final-year Law student who loves “a good debate” and, as he says, is “probably way too invested in Strathclyde’s future.” He tells me that he is “also blind – which means I literally don’t have blind spots when it comes to the issues students face.”
Good listening skills are his strength. “[It] sounds basic, but too often, students are told, “we’ll look into it,” and then nothing happens,” he says. Abdul is persistent and “won’t stop pushing until things are done.” He wants to fix issues.
As Strath Union President, he would like to “make the Union work for students instead of just talking about it.” His priorities include “real accessibility, proper cost-of-living support, and an actual voice for societies and students.” To help with the cost-of-living crisis, he will “push for cheaper food, financial support, and proper funding for student-led initiatives.”
Three words that best describe Abdul: determined, relentless, abdulutely.
Mahesh Satish
Mahesh is a highly successful Muay Thai athlete, most recently earning a Silver medal at the 2024 World Professional Muay Thai Championship. Through his involvement in sport, he has learned the value of maintaining “discipline and stability” in every part of his life, including his “co-curricular activities” and “education.”
As an international student, Mahesh recognises the challenges faced by those moving to Glasgow. He wants to provide essential guidance to them “at the starting stage”, and create a safe environment where they feel informed and confident.
He also aims to create more opportunities for students to get involved in inter-clubs and co-curricular activities.
Three words that best describe Mahesh: discipline, endurance, perseverance.
Strathclyde Telegraph reached out to Vishruth Vidyadhar but he has not yet responded.
All candidates encourage students to vote, as electing a President or Vice President who best represents your values is a way to have your voice heard.
Voting will open at 8am on 25 February and close at 3pm on 27 February.
Full manifestos for all President candidates can be found here.
Hi, I’m Julia Braun Raven, a second-year Journalism, Media & Creative Writing student. I’m co-Editor-in-Chief and Features Editor, and I love creating stories that matter to students, inspiring them, supporting what they’re passionate about, and celebrating their achievements. I’m especially interested in arts, culture, and student life, and I enjoy bringing energy, curiosity, and a love of storytelling to every piece I work on.
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