The U of M Graduate and Postdoctoral Society (UMGPS) has announced a by-election to fill the position of vice-president, external affairs & senator (VPE), just over three months after the winners of the March 17 general elections were announced.

In a statement signed by UMGPS president and senator Emma Heath, it was disclosed that Lamia Mahzabin “was removed from their position by majority vote.”

According to the statement, the decision was made by the board of directors “to ensure that UMGPS remains committed to ensuring dedicated and capable student representation in executive roles.”

Mahzabin, who was re-elected earlier this year for a second consecutive term, previously served as vice-president, academic affairs & senator before assuming the external affairs portfolio. “We are grateful for Lamia’s contributions during their tenure, and wish them the best in their future endeavors,” the statement noted.

Heath announced that herself and Laleema Senanayake, vice-president, academic affairs & senator will manage the responsibilities of the position on an interim basis pending the outcome of the by-election.

Addressing the decision, the statement emphasized that UMGPS does “not take the removal of an elected student representative lightly and [has] not proceeded with this extreme action without careful consideration and sufficient grounds.”

A by-election has been scheduled for Aug. 3 and 4 to elect a new VPE. Nominations remain open until July 10, with interested students required to obtain nomination forms to contest the position.

The successful candidate will oversee the management of “advocacy and policy efforts directed at external stakeholders such as government bodies and partner organizations.”