By Mikee Natinga Norico
Your Vote, Your Voice! CPUR Elections 2025 are officially open. Students across CPU can now cast their votes until 7:00 PM to choose the next student leaders. Photo credit to CPUR Commission on Elections Facebook page.
Central Philippine University (CPU) students are casting their votes today, April 4, 2025, as the highly anticipated CPU Republic (CPUR) Elections take place across various campus venues.
The election process has been meticulously organized by the CPUR Commission on Elections (COMELEC), following a structured timeline to ensure transparency and fairness. The campaign period, which ran from March 19 to April 3, 2025, allowed candidates to engage with the student body and present their platforms. The Grand Rally, held yesterday, April 3, 2025, marked the culmination of campaign efforts, with candidates making their final push for votes.
This year, CPU has implemented a hybrid voting system. Only the Junior High School (JHS) and Senior High School (SHS) will have physical polling precincts. JHS students can cast their votes at the Rose Memorial Auditorium (RMA), while Senior High School (SHS) students will head to the SHS Library to participate in the elections.
Candidates Take the Stage! The CPUR Grand Rally brings together candidates from Reform, Koalisyon, and independent parties to present their platforms, encourage participation, and inspire students to vote. Photo credit to CPU Cipher Facebook page.
For College, the College of Law, and the School of Graduate Studies, voting will be conducted entirely online through Canvas, ensuring a streamlined and efficient election process.
Once the voting period concludes, the canvassing of votes will take place tomorrow, April 5, 2025, to determine the winners. The official Proclamation of Winners is scheduled for April 7, 2025, marking the formal announcement of the newly elected student leaders. Additionally, a period for election protests will be open from April 5 to 13, 2025, allowing for the resolution of any concerns or disputes regarding the electoral process.
CPUR officials remain optimistic about increased voter turnout this year. “If all goes well, we are hoping for an improvement in the voter turnout for the 2025 CPUR Elections,” said Karl Sondia, CPUR COMELEC Chairperson. He also reminded Centralians of their role in the electoral process. “My message for the Centralian community is simple: Utilize all the tools the Republic provides you. Equip yourselves with the knowledge and information—every single citizen of the Republic should know this. Whether you’re a candidate or a voter, you belong in the system, and your single vote bears weight in the election.”
As CPU students head to the polls today, their votes will help shape the direction of student leadership for the coming year. Stay tuned for updates as the election results unfold!