By Lynette Joy A. Pasajol and Julliane Nicole B. Labinghisa

Several positions across Far Eastern University’s (FEU) student councils and Academic Organizations (AO) remain unoccupied following the release of the 2025 University election lineup, with a large portion of candidates either running unopposed or with no slate fielded.

FEU Commission on Elections (COMELEC) announced a total of 113 candidates for this year’s election, lower than the previous election record of 128 candidates. 

A review of the current lineup shows a total of 90 elective positions available across FEU Central Student Organization (FEUCSO), Institute Student Councils (SC), and AOs. 

Among the open positions, only 74 positions have been filled, leaving 16 vacant seats equivalent to around 17.78 percent of all positions.

The gaps in candidacies are most apparent when comparing the number of positions filled by political parties.

While many positions are being contested, the majority of these vacancies stem from either the lack of complete slates or the total absence of representation from the three accredited political parties: Isanliyab Servant Leaders’ Union (ISLU), Kadiwa Student Coalition (KSC), and Tanglawtala.

In some cases, such as in the Institute of Health Sciences and Nursing SC, partial representation is observed, with Tanglawtala fielding candidates for select positions alongside opposing slates.

Vacancies are more pronounced in SCs, with the Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts SC reporting no candidates.

Similarly, the Institute of Education SC received only one candidate to vie for the vice presidency under ISLU, leaving five other positions unfilled.

In addition, candidates for the Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Management SC, Biological Science Society, Communication Society, Hotel and Restaurant Management Society, Medical Technology Society, and Nursing Society are running unopposed. 

Independent candidates have been a notable presence in this election, with eight students opting to campaign for specific positions despite the lack of full party support, including a FEUCSO presidency for the first time since ISLU and KSC’s establishment in 2017.

The high number of vacancies and lack of party representation across key positions may prompt affected councils and organizations to recommend eligible candidates to the Student Development office and the Vice President for Academic Services, in accordance with Article III Section 10 of the FEU Omnibus Election Code (OEC) 2025.

In cases where no candidates win any position or if voter turnout falls below 20 percent of the voting population, FEU COMELEC is mandated to declare a failure of elections and conduct special elections, as outlined in Article IX Section 6 of the OEC.

(Illustration by Darlyn Belino Baybayon/FEU Advocate)

*The article was first published in the second volume of The AdVote, FEU Advocate’s official primer of the FEU Elections.