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The Election Is Coming; But Are Your Candidates Legit? Attendance Rule Under the Spotlight.




By Public Voice News Agency

The recent pre-election period has cast a glaring spotlight on an issue that threatens the integrity of the National Association of Public Administration Students (NAPAS): a significant number of aspiring candidates for executive and parliamentary positions do not meet the constitutionally mandated attendance requirement.

According to the NAPAS Constitution, Article V, Section 34, Subsection (II), every candidate vying for executive offices or seats in the House of Parliament must have attended at least 50% of congressional sittings, except for first-year and new Direct Entry students participating in by-elections.

This clause is not a bureaucratic technicality. It is a fundamental safeguard designed to ensure that only dedicated, informed, and engaged members qualify for leadership. Meeting this attendance threshold means a candidate has actively participated in the association’s key decision-making forums, demonstrating commitment, awareness, and accountability.

However, the current landscape tells a different story. Numerous candidates seeking office have failed to meet this attendance benchmark, a fact confirmed by attendance records yet often overlooked in the rush to the election.

The implications of ignoring this constitutional safeguard are profound:

  • Legitimacy Eroded: Leaders who have not demonstrated consistent participation risk lacking the mandate and moral authority to represent their peers effectively.

  • Weak Governance: Leadership without adequate involvement can lead to poor decision-making, disconnected representation, and diminished trust in the association.

  • Precedent for Disregard: Allowing non-compliant candidates to run sets a dangerous precedent, undermining the rule of law within NAPAS and encouraging apathy.

The path forward is clear and non-negotiable:

  • Strict Adherence to Article V, Section 34 (II) must be enforced by the electoral committee and all relevant authorities.

  • Transparency in Candidate Screening is paramount to preserve the association’s credibility.

  • Members Must Demand Accountability to protect the integrity of their leadership.

Leadership is a privilege earned through consistent engagement and responsibility. The attendance rule is more than a checklist — it is a reflection of commitment to the association’s vision and a prerequisite for effective stewardship.

NAPAS stands at a crossroads: uphold its constitution and the standards that have kept it vibrant, or allow shortcuts that threaten to dilute its impact.

The choice is clear. The time for laxity is over.

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