Introduction
Following the ratification of the NIUK constitution, it becomes imperative for the community to conduct elections to elect the Non-Executive Board members and Executive members in line with Article 8 of the NIUK constitution 2026. The Electoral Committee hereby publish the NIUK inaugural election guidelines. These guidelines set out how the inaugural election will be conducted, who may vote and contest, the positions available, and the key dates from Monday, 9 February 2026, to Saturday, 16 May 2026. They are designed to ensure fairness, transparency, and full participation by all eligible members. All community members are encouraged to read this document carefully and comply with the guidelines provided
Who Can Vote
To participate in the election as a voter, every member must complete the Voter Registration Form published by the Electoral Committee.
To vote, you must:
· Be a registered member of the NIUK Community;
· Complete the voter registration form by 11:59pm April 12th 2026 .
· Ensure your personal details are accurate and up to date.
Only members who have successfully registered by the deadline published will be included in the official voters’ register and permitted to vote on election day.
Regional Voting for NEB Seats
For Non-Executive Board (NEB) positions, members may only vote for candidates representing the region in which they reside, and, in the case of student representatives, only registered voters who are students at the time of the election will be eligible to vote. For example, only members resident in Scotland may vote for the NEB representative for Scotland.
Who Can Contest
In line with Article 8.1(9) of the NIUK constitution 2026, only a Financial Member can contest for any position, subject to eligibility criteria.
For the inaugural election, the candidate intending to contest shall:
· Be a registered member of the NIUK community for at least 2 years on the eve of the day of the election;
· Have paid the membership fee for the year 2025/2026,
· Be in good standing within the community;
· Have no record of misconduct, fraud, or financial impropriety;
· Be of sound mind and willing to serve
· Complete an Expression of Interest Form within the nomination window.
· Successfully pass the Electoral Committee’s eligibility and background screening.
Registration Forms and Election Information
The Electoral Committee will publish an election matters page on the NIUK website. This page will serve as the official source of election information and will include:
· Link to the voter Registration Form.
· Link to the Expression of Interest/Nomination Form for candidates.
· Full election timetable.
· Final candidate lists (once available);
· Public debate or forum details;
· Voting instructions.
· Election Results.
· Other election-related matters
Members are advised to check this page regularly throughout the election period for updates and information.
Positions Open for Election
Executive Committee (EXCO)
The following nine (9) positions shall be contested:
i. President
ii. Vice President
iii. General Secretary
iv. Treasurer
v. Financial Secretary
vi. Communication Manager
vii. Welfare Secretary
viii. Project Manager
ix. Legal Officer
Duties, Responsibilities, and eligibility criteria of each position can be found in the NIUK constitution 2026.
B. Non-Executive Board (NEB)
For the inaugural election, seven (7) NEB positions shall be contested:
i. England Representative A
ii. England Representative B
iii. England Representative C
iv. Northern Ireland Representative
v. Scotland Representative
vi. Students’ Representative
vii. Wales Representative
There shall be seven elected NEB members for this inaugural cycle, as there are no immediate past officers to occupy ex officio positions.
Election Timeline (Inaugural Cycle)
Final Notes
The Electoral Committee is committed to delivering a transparent, inclusive, and credible inaugural election process. Members are encouraged to participate fully by registering to vote, engaging constructively, and upholding the values of fairness, integrity, and respect.
Further updates will be published on the Election Matters page of the NIUK website.
Approved by
The NIUK Electoral Committee
Date: 8 February 2026
