“I FEEL GREAT—I really feel great,” were the first words out of Ethan Plato’s mouth upon being elected the Student Federation of the University of Ottawa (SFUO) president thanks to 2,361 student votes, according to the preliminary results that were announced in the early hours of Feb. 17.
“I think that there’s a lot that needs to be done and I think we need to work on a lot—I really don’t know what to say at this point. I really liked how there wasn’t a lot of animosity in this campaign as opposed to previous years,” he said.
Plato’s supporters exploded in cheers and congratulations, lifting the newly elected president into the air as soon as the results were announced.
“The fact that we got four per cent more people out is incredible,” said Plato. “It’s going to be out mandate, our promise to increase that next year. I would feel like we failed if we didn’t.”
After giving out hugs to all his supporters and the losing candidates, Plato said he will meet with anyone in the university community as soon as he gets to sit in the SFUO office.
“We need to figure out what the plan is—figure out our differences, our similarities, work ourselves together, and figure things out that way—because that’s what’s going to have to happen,” he said.
Despite her loss, Amalia Savva kept a positive attitude and wished Plato luck during his mandate.
“I’m good—I’ve had a great campaign,” said Savva. “[Plato] led a great campaign and I wish him luck as well. I think I got a chance to talk to a lot of students in the past two weeks [and] it was great to spend some time doing that. I hope that he continues that work—outreaching to students.”
Philippe Mulet also wished Plato luck, adding he will stay involved in student politics despite losing the presidential position.
“I’m feeling lovely,” said Mulet. “I think Ethan ran a lovely campaign; I think Amalia really should have stepped up her game. I guess it as harder with three candidates, but I’m just really happy for the whole experience and I’m happy for the people who actually voted for me.”
—Jane Lytvynenko
