The unofficial results are out and next year’s UMSU executives and community representatives are in.
Polls for the 2026 UMSU annual general election closed March 6, with 16.2 per cent of eligible voters casting their ballots in this year’s election, a downtick from last year’s 20.4 per cent. This year also marked the first year a ranked voting system was used, something that has been in the works since 2023. This system, as the name suggests, enabled voters to list their candidates in order of preference on the ballot.
There is only one face returning to UMSU’s executive team, and that is Heaven Kaur. Every other executive member is new and serving for the first time. Following the unofficial election results, each shared their thoughts and reflections.
President
Heaven Kaur
Currently, Heaven Kaur serves as UMSU vice-president, university affairs, but she is making her return to the executive team next year as UMSU president.
Reflecting on her win, Kaur thanked the student body who stood by her. “I’m beyond grateful for everyone who supported my campaign, volunteered their time and encouraged me to put my name on the ballot.” Kaur also applauded the other candidates in this year’s election, sharing that “every single candidate truly ran a great campaign.”
As UMSU president, Kaur said she intends to focus on “listening to students, working collaboratively with student groups and advocating for our students to the university, and all levels of government.”
Kaur secured the presidency with 52.2 per cent of the vote.
Vice-president, university affairs
Grace Elendu
The position of vice-president, university affairs went to Grace Elendu, who shared that upon hearing the results she felt “a deep sense of joy, but that feeling was quickly followed by an even greater sense of responsibility.”
Elendu expressed her thanks to her campaign manager, and said that she “could not have done this without the support of [her] circle and the community that stood behind [her].”
Following three rounds of the ranked voting system, Elendu secured her position surpassing the needed total to win by 442 votes.
Vice-president, external affairs
Aiden Peters
Aiden Peters, stepping into the position of vice-president, external affairs, shared with the Manitoban that his message to students is one of honesty. “A lot of my goals will be incredibly difficult to obtain. However, I promise to do my [utmost] every step of the way, to put my all into the position and fight for students wherever and whenever I can.”
Peters also shared that he “strongly encourages” student body interaction. “Come up to me, to call me out on what I can do better, to talk to me about ideas, problems and hopes,” he stated. “I feel the responsibility on my shoulders.”
Peters won the position with 54.5 per cent of the vote.
Vice-president, student life
Manasa Rajesh
Manasa Rajesh was elected vice-president, student life, a role which she is “grateful” to take on. “As someone who once felt a bit lost on campus, I understand how important it is to feel like you belong.”
For Rajesh, the plan for next year is clear. “I will strive to keep the promises I made during my campaign and continue supporting our clubs and student communities.” Rajesh also thanked the people who supported her through the campaign, “especially [her] friend Ronly and [her] mom, who supported [her] through the long days and late nights.”
Rajesh was voted in to the position with 53.7 per cent of the vote.
Vice-president, finance and operations
Cameron J. Provost
In the most contested position this election, Cameron J. Provost came out on top as vice-president, finance and operations. This was not Provost’s first time on the ballot for this role. Last year, he walked home with 31.1 per cent of the vote, with the position going to Carolyn Wang who secured 39.8 per cent.
As for Provost’s plans for the year ahead? “I’m excited by the opportunity to put my ideas into action,” Provost shared. “I hope to bring about changes in accessibility that [enable] more student involvement!”
Following four rounds of the ranked voting system, Provost cleared the needed number of votes by 113.
Community representatives-elect reflect on election result
Indigenous students’ representative – Rayden Seela
While Rayden Seela ran uncontested for the position of Indigenous students’ representative, it is still near to his heart. “Although I ran uncontested, it still means something to see it confirmed. It means the work begins now,” shared Seela.
“When I ran for this position, I made a promise to make Indigenous students on this campus seen, heard, loved and respected in ways that have never been done here before,” Seela said. “That is a promise I fully intend to keep.”
In a message to the community, Seela shared that he’s looking forward to his term. “I believe deeply in the power of community. Real change doesn’t happen alone, it happens when we come together, when we lift each other up and when we remind this campus that Indigenous students are not just a part of this university, we are part of its future.”
Seela’s win was affirmed with 80.3 per cent of the vote.
International students’ representative – Tirth Chaudhary
Tirth Chaudhary, despite running uncontested, shared that these results “mean a lot” to him. “I’m truly grateful for the trust students have placed in me, and I want to thank everyone who participated in the UMSU elections and took the time to vote,” he added.
Chaudhary shared that his experience campaigning gave him “the opportunity to connect with many students and hear their ideas and concerns.”
As for Chaudhary’s plans as International students’ representative, he is already at the drawing board. “I already have some exciting ideas for events and initiatives, and I’m excited to start working on them and connecting with the international student community.”
Chaudhary was elected to the position with an affirmative “yes” vote from 84 per cent of the international students’ community.
2SLGBTQIA+ students’ representative – Gwendelyn Freeheart
For next year’s 2SLGBTQIA+ students’ representative Gwendelyn Freeheart, the future looks bright. “I have many plans for next term that I can’t wait to set in motion,” shared Freeheart to the Manitoban.
Running unopposed, they also expressed their reaction to their community’s support. “I am beyond honoured that my community has trusted me to represent them at our student union level […] My election to this role would not be possible without the strength and support of my community, so for that I am deeply appreciative.”
As for their plans, Freeheart shared they are “always open to receiving feedback” from fellow students to ensure “Queer Student Family’s lounge and events are accessible and inclusive.”
Freeheart’s position was affirmed by an 81.2 per cent vote for “yes” from their community.
Accessibility community representative – Kristen Nguyen
Kristen Nguyen is next session’s accessibility community representative. She expressed to the Manitoban her gratitude for the U of M student community and reflected on her future position’s wider role on campus. “Accessibility affects many people on campus, and this result shows that students want barriers to be taken seriously.”
Nguyen shared her plans for her coming term. “I will work to ensure that the voices of students with both visible and invisible disabilities are heard and that accessibility is treated as a priority on our campus”.
The position of accessibility community representative was the only contested community representative position, and Nguyen secured her role with 66.6 per cent of the vote.
Mature and part-time students’ representative – Sanimar Singh
Mature and part-time students affirmed Sanimar Singh to be the community’s next representative, with Singh noting that his position brings a unique perspective to UMSU’s board table. “Many part-time and mature students balance school with work, family responsibilities and other commitments,” shared Singh. “It’s important that their voices are represented within UMSU.”
Singh also thanked the members of the community. “I’m truly grateful to the students who supported me and trusted me with the role.” He included, “I’m excited to begin working with the team and advocating for the needs and concerns of part-time and mature students.”
Singh received the affirmative vote of “yes” from 78.3 per cent of the mature and part-time students’ community.
Black students’ representative – Shumirai Marangwanda
Shumirai Marangwanda ran uncontested for the role of Black students’ representative, but shared with the Manitoban that she sees this as an opportunity to get involved. “The best way to see change or implement ideas is to get involved in the spaces where you can do so.”
Marangwanda intends to bring passion to her role, sharing that her goals are attainable, saying, “I am realistic of what I can achieve,” as she hopes her plans work out. “I will pursue my policies and ideas relentlessly to benefit my community.”
Marangwanda’s win was affirmed by a “yes” vote of 85 per cent.
Racialized students’ representative – Areeva Arora
For Areeva Arora, it is “an honour” to have been elected as racialized students’ representative. She added, “I take this responsibility seriously.” Arora reflected on the necessity of her role in campus discussions. “This role is an important opportunity to amplify the voices and experiences of racialized students.”
Representation is key to Arora, who noted that part of her task will be to “ensure [racialized students’] perspectives are represented in conversations that shape our campus community.”
“I look forward to working closely with the other executive and representatives,” shared Arora. Her goals remain “[advocating] for equity, strengthen[ing] support for racialized students, and help[ing] build a more inclusive and welcoming campus for everyone.”
Arora secured her position unopposed, with an affirmative vote of 84.5 per cent.
Women-identified students’ representative – Kultaj Kaur
At the time of publication, the Manitoban has not received a statement from Kultaj Kaur regarding her securing of the position of women-identified students’ representative.
Kaur received an affirmative “yes” vote from 88.9 per cent of the community.
