Students go to Vote
PA First Election
During the the first week of May at the same time as the national general election, Paddington Academy held its own election – the first ever PA mock election - led by students for students. The activity gave students the opportunity to understand the democratic process in the UK and to have the experience of choosing their candidate and supporting them.
The candidates who stood for election represented the whole array of parties on the UK political scene. Dania Silawi-Ahwazi and Ahmed Gabrail represented the Labour Party while Yassine Abdul–Wahid and Salma Abdul–Wahid represented the Conservative Party. Kokab Barakat and Osama Mahdi stood for the Greens and Mergim Muhadri represented UKIP. We also had three impressive independent voices from Year 8 students Samuel Ribeiro, Tariq Abdelrahman and Ahmed Lamri. The Liberal Democrat Party was represented with outstanding political charisma by Abotalib Mohamed, in Year 11.
All candidates ran their own campaign with dignity and persuasion, presenting their manifestos responsibly, articulately and with realism. During the week, students learnt about party doctrines, aims and history. Each candidate had their own photo-shoot and electoral poster and presented their manifestos during the school’s weekly podcast.
Election fever gripped PA when the Leader’s Debate started with each candidate trying to persuade the electorate of the worthiness of their vote. The Debate was marked by a thought provoking Q&A session when discussions become lively.
Thursday, the 7th May was, just as in real life, the Election Day. Students used their vote wisely at break and lunch time and the whole process had a great turn out for the first PA Election. Over 700 students expressed their political preference by voting on the day.
Unlike the general election, a landslide victory was celebrated by the Labour Party in the PA Election! Dania and Ahmed are our new MPs for the next 5 years and we wish them every success in this new and exciting careeer.
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