AS WITH practically every election in Cyprus, political party support is expected to play a decisive role in today’s University of Cyprus elections.
The DISY student party Protoporia has pledged its support for current Cyprus University rector, Stavros Zenios, while supporting Kosta Christophides for deputy rector of academic affairs and Antoni Kaka for deputy rector of international placement.
Elections at the University of Cyprus are an exception to the norm as both faculty and students vote for candidates, with the student vote representing 20 to 25 per cent of the total tally.
Since the student groups are affiliated with political parties, the student vote is seen as a vehicle through which parties can influence the outcome of the election.
The DISY student group decided upon the candidates it would support during its latest General Assembly.
Protoporia justified its decision to support the present rector by stating that, despite problems that the University has faced, the institution has nevertheless steadily improved over the last few years.
“With the goal of achieving excellence and promoting elevated thinking, the University should continue to faithfully serve academic freedom, free dialogue, and collaboration for the consultation of the academic community when making decisions,” the student group announced during its general assembly.
The AKEL affiliated group has lent its support towards Elpida Keravnos for rector.
In 2004 a spat broke out among the University of Cyprus staff when Zenios temporarily suspended open emailing lists following reports that staff members had used the system to send racist and discriminatory messages.
On April 26, 2004, University staff members received a racist joke referring to UN Secretary-general Kofi Annan and the April 24 referendum through the open emailing lists. A week later, Zenios temporarily suspended the open e-mailing lists and issued a memorandum to staff.
The sender of the April 26 email claimed that the suspension had been “for other more serious internal problems”, and claimed that the move by Zenios was “ridiculous and limit[ed] the freedom of people.”
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