Media Release
Udupi, Jun 15: St Mary's English Medium School (SMES), Kannarpady, successfully conducted its student council elections for the academic year 2026–27 on June 11 through a fully digital voting system, marking a significant step towards technological innovation in school governance.
The elections were conducted using the innovative 'Campus Vote' application, developed by grade 10 students Reevan Patrick Pinto and Adwik Rao Kidiyoor. The digital initiative reflected the school's commitment to embracing technology and fostering student-led innovation.
To ensure a smooth and transparent election process, four Android tablets were deployed. Two tablets functioned as control units while the remaining two served as ballot units, all powered by the 'Campus Vote' application.
School principal Fr Vijay Joyson D’Souza, who served as the chief election commissioner, expressed satisfaction over the successful implementation of the digital voting system. He lauded the students behind the application and highlighted the school's efforts to pioneer technological advancements in educational administration.
The Election Commission approved four nominations each for the posts of head boy and head girl from grade 10 students. The candidates for head boy were Parth R Shetty, Ries D’Souza, Siddharth D Anchan, and Mohammed Gause Raza, while Naza Amina Nayaz, Esha J Dmello, Velsie Castelino, and Brahmi D Naik contested for the post of head girl.
The election process commenced with the filing of nominations on June 4, followed by scrutiny and symbol allotment on June 8. Candidates campaigned during the school assembly on June 10.
Around 458 students from Grades 8 to 10 exercised their franchise. Students visited the polling booth class-wise, presented their identity cards, signed the voter register, and had their fingers marked before casting their votes electronically.
Following the counting process, Parth R Shetty was elected as head boy and Brahmi D Naik as head girl for the academic year 2026–27.
The election was conducted under the supervision of Rita Quadros, vice principal and assistant election commissioner. Usha Hegde and Shruthi D’Souza served as presiding officers, while Amratha, Preemal, Anusha, Cybil Soans, and Eunice Anchan functioned as polling officers. Shruthi D’Souza was the overall in-charge of the election process.