More than 18,000 students voted in the University of Chile Student Federation (FECh) elections, and 60% supported the slate headed by Laura Mlynarz, who will be the organization's president.
Communist Youth achieves victory in University of Chile Student Federation elections
The “Conectemos la Chile” list, made up of university leaders from the Communist Youth (JJCC), the Broad Front (FA), and independents, triumphed in the elections of the Federation of Students of the University of Chile (FECH), held on May 11 and 12.
The minimum participation of 20% was exceeded, with more than 18,000 students from the University of Chile voting, representing a 49.1% turnout of the student body.
Laura Mlynarz, a fourth-year student of hydraulic civil engineering and a member of the Communist Youth (JJCC), will assume the presidency of the FECH (Federation of Chilean Students). The list she led proposed key areas of focus, such as improving the conditions and well-being of students, strengthening the public role and participation of students, and “re-establishing a voice, a valid interlocutor, a space for building within the student organization.” They also proposed addressing issues such as student mental health, university funding, obtaining transportation scholarships, and advocating for free higher education.
“We are very pleased with the level of participation in the process; I think that is the most important aspect of the day. Today is a historic day for the FECh, for the student movement, and for the University of Chile as well, because the levels of participation are beyond anyone's expectations,” said the president-elect.