The members of the slate GSA Commitment swept every office in the Graduate Students Association elections, the Elections Board announced Wednesday night.
Jamal Madni, the party’s candidate for president, beat his opponent, Michelle Hashemi, by 20 percent.
In addition, Ryan Roberts was elected as vice president of internal affairs, Monica Sanchez was re-elected to the position of vice president of external affairs, and Argus Sun was elected vice president of academic affairs.
Both Madni and Roberts are members of the Associated Students UCLA Communications Board, the publisher of the Daily Bruin and other Student Media publications. Madni is chairman of the board.
After the results were read and the Elections Board voted to endorse all winning candidates, Madni was told of his winning outcome.
“I was really overwhelmed and excited and humbled that I was elected and that our whole slate was elected,” he said.
Though elections officials had expressed hope that there would be greater voter interest in this year’s election, only 1,254 students out of an eligible 11,043 cast their votes through MyUCLA.
The voter turnout rate of 11.4 percent was only a slight increase from last year’s rate of 10.7 percent.
Madni, who received 60 percent of the vote, said that running with GSA Commitment made it easier to pool resources for a victorious outcome.
“I think we did a very good job trying to reach out to as many students as we could … (and) of doing things in terms of fliering and the Web,” he said. “Four heads are better than one.”
Sanchez said the strong unity and vision the slate has will aid the newly elected candidates to accomplish their goals.
“We kind of have an idea where we want to go next year,” she said. “That will definitely help us.”
Hashemi was not available for comment as of press time.
Cynthia Pineda-Scott, the director of elections, said that despite the still-low turnout, the voting process has become more transparent this year, both for candidates and voters.
Pineda-Scott said there has been a cordial atmosphere among candidates and that, unlike previous years, no formal grievances or complaints were filed. She added that she hoped the rise in total candidates this year will be a step toward a culture shift that will eventually raise voter turnout.
Madni said he anticipates a strong year representing his fellow students.
“I’m most looking forward to … having a great voice on campus and serving the graduate students,” Madni said, adding that he sees his administration’s top three priorities as student fees, housing and visibility to its constituents.
Defeated candidates said they are confident in the abilities of those elected.
“I agree with a lot of the things (Sanchez) is fighting for,” said DeAnnah Byrd, who ran against Sanchez for vice president of external affairs. “I hope she does well.”
Pineda-Scott said the Elections Board will attempt to raise voter turnout in different ways in the years to come, suggesting installing physical voting booths around campus and increasing time for campaigning as potential future changes.
“Just (using) MyUCLA is not the best way to increase voter turnout,” she said.
Madni said now that his slate has been elected, he is excited to back up his promises and pursue his goals.
“We talked the talk during the campaign,” he said. “Now it’s time to walk the walk.”
With reports from Theresa Avila, Bruin contributor.