We unanimously agree that the Election Commission violated numerous procedures in ruling that the candidates should be disqualified. As such, we overturn the disqualification by the Election Commission. However, pursuant to the Court’s independent investigatory power into election fraud (Election Code, Art. 5, Sec. 10, cl. 4), this Court made the following determinations:

The Court rules 4–1 that Laxmi Ramana participated in election fraud, 5–0 that Brandon Balwant participated in election fraud, and 3–2 that Michael McHugh participated in election fraud. As such, all three candidates are hereby disqualified. Unfortunately, due to the joint ticket, Mohammad Aijaz will also be disqualified. To avoid needlessly drawing out an already strained election season, this Court will not order a new election and will allow the second–place finisher in these races to assume their respective offices.

Pursuant to the Rules of Court (Art. 3, Sec. 6, cl. 5), a formal opinion will be forthcoming within 12 class days.

Furthermore, the decision of the Court of Appeals is final, pursuant to Art. 6, Sec. 5 of the SGA Constitution.

I speak for the Court when I say that we delivered this judgement with heavy hearts. It is truly regrettable to discover that fellow students aspiring to represent the student body succumbed to these temptations.

Respectfully,
Taylor Kilroy
Chief Justice, SGA Court of Appeals