Results Party Files Libel Suit Against UB Students Party
Results Party presidential candidate and incumbent SA President Christian Oliver filed a libel complaint with the SA Elections and Credentials Committee Thursday afternoon contesting the content and wording of campaign fliers distributed by the UB Students' Party.
Oliver identified two claims on the fliers as circulating false information. The flier claimed that current SA officers spent $931 on "stickers for condoms" which are not readily available to students and that the e-board has "total control" over Fall and Spring Fest bands and allows "no student input."
Under SA election regulations, "No candidate, party or representative may convey false information pertaining to election in any way, shape or form."
The case was giving an open hearing by the E&C Committee in the SA office, 350 Student Union, Thursday night. The UB Students' Party was represented by attorney Damon Serota, who argued the fliers are political hyperbole and do not convey malicious intent. Oliver, representing himself, posited the fliers attempted to defame his party and are factually incorrect.
Both sides called witnesses and spoke to the committee before a crowd of about 30 candidates and students, many of whom are currently involved with SA.
A decision will be rendered by 11 p.m. today.
Diaz's Candidacy Ruled Legitimate
After a Student Wide Judiciary hearing Monday, the court concluded that Results Party NYSSA candidate Yesenia Diaz should be allowed to appear on the ballot for next week's SA elections.
Diaz's candidacy was challenged by Jason Litwak, presidential candidate for the UB Students' Party, after Diaz failed to attend a mandatory meeting for all SA candidates. Diaz claimed she had "extenuating circumstances" and should be allowed to remain on the ballot.
In the opinion of the court, SWJ Chief Justice Trevor Torcello wrote, "we find that Ms. Diaz was more likely than not delayed by an extenuating circumstance that caused her to miss candidates' meeting on March 7, 2002."
Torcello acknowledged that "Mr. Litwak's concern was legitimate and justified" and that "mistakes were in fact made in the process that led to Ms. Diaz appearing on the ballot."
SWJ also made a nod to Litwak's complaint that SA politics are influencing much of the electoral process. In the decision, Torcello writes, "Although this matter may seem to be entangled in SA politics, we did not in any way consider this a political question."
On the basis of the legal standard of "preponderance of evidence," SWJ ordered Diaz remain on the ballot for the upcoming election.
Torcello further suggested the Elections and Credentials Committee determine the level of evidence necessary to excuse students from the mandatory candidate meetings in an effort to prevent future suits.
