Campaigning has begun for this term’s Union elections, with four out of five races being uncontested.

These races will determine the Standing Committee for Michaelmas term.

Alessio D’Angelo, current speakers officer, is the sole candidate for the Michaelmas presidency.

Current equalities officer Anoushka Kale, Alex Mitchell, and Penelope Slater are all running uncontested for debates officer, speakers officer, and social events officer respectively.

D’Angelo is running to succeed Neha Pauly as president. His manifesto outlines his aims to develop “alumni relations and networking efforts, providing members with more development opportunities and fostering lasting connections beyond graduation”.

D’Angelo states: “I’m also passionate to bolster our state school outreach programme, collaborating with other mentorship programs to ensure the brightest young students are able to have access to workshops and increase engagement.”

His campaign also evolves around fostering “positive discussion on international issues with a debate and watch party for the U.S. election”.

D’Angelo also pledges to “continue the strong work on access memberships.”

The candidate told Varsity that he feels ”so privileged to have had many great friends and mentors who I’ve met via the union that continue to make it a great place”.

Current equalities officer, Anoushka Kale, is campaigning uncontested for debates officer. Kale’s manifesto highlights her goal to “demystify the auditions process to support first-time speakers, reform the Emergency Debates process, and bring back one motion voted on by members”.

Running unopposed for speakers officer, Alex Mitchell promises to “put together a term of speakers which is as exciting, thought-provoking and diverse as possible for all members”.

His manifesto also mentions his wish to “communicate directly with members by holding a weekly drop-in hour and publicising members’ room availability”.

Penelope Slater is running uncontested for social events officer. Her manifesto reveals her desire to organise “electrifying events” at “cheaper” prices.

The only race comprising more than one candidate is equalities officer, which is contested by Karina Reed and Damsith Wimalasena.

Reed’s campaign revolves around making the Union a “more inclusive place” and “diversifying” the society. Wimalasena promises to implement “clear and confidential reporting mechanisms for discrimination or mistreatment” and “increasing mental health support” by organising programs such as pet therapy.

Last October, Nick Davis won the union presidency unopposed in the debating society’s first election since last year’s ballot rigging scandal.

Were D’Angelo to win the presidency, he would become the society’s third successive President to win unopposed, after Neha Pauly narrowly avoided a re-run despite being last term’s only candidate.

Voting opens after hustings on Thursday (07/03), with results to be announced on Saturday evening (09/03).