Austria Prepares for National Student Elections

Next week marks the commencement of the only nationwide election in Austria for the year, where over 360,000 students across 76 universities will have the opportunity to elect their representatives in the Austrian Students' Union (ÖH). The election process is set to unfold from Tuesday to Thursday, but some institutions, particularly certain universities of applied sciences and private universities, are initiating early voting days starting today.

A key factor to watch during this election is voter turnout. In 2023, the participation rate hovered around 21%, while the election held in 2021 amid the COVID-19 pandemic saw a mere 16% turnout. Historically, ÖH elections have seen participation levels around 25%. This year, early indications suggest that turnout may not significantly increase; for instance, the number of requested mail-in ballots stands at approximately 4,500, a decline from the 6,000 requested in 2023.

Several factors contribute to the traditionally low voter engagement. Many students perceive the impact of ÖH activities on their academic experience as minimal. Additionally, the various student factions often appear indistinguishable, and students may feel that these groups either engage excessively in general political matters or not enough. The ÖH primarily acts as a representative body and lacks the authority to make significant decisions on issues such as tuition fees or access restrictions. Moreover, regulations regarding mandatory membership and the ÖH contribution amount are dictated by national legislation, which can only be amended by the Parliament.

The early voting days for students enrolled in part-time or dual study programs will allow participation today and tomorrow. This is especially relevant for certain universities of applied sciences, ensuring that those who attend only weekend block courses can also exercise their voting rights.

The elections will involve three levels of voting, and students will receive three different ballots. All students will vote for the national representation, which comprises the Austrian student parliament with 55 seats. Additionally, they will vote for both their university representation and their specific program representation. For the national and university representation votes, students will select from lists, which represent various student parties. These positions can be voted on either in person or via mail-in ballots. Conversely, candidates for program representation will appear individually on the ballot, and mail-in voting is not an option for this section.

Currently, the leading faction in the ÖH national representation is the Socialist Student Union (VSStÖ), holding 26.5% of the votes and 15 mandates. They are followed closely by the ÖVP-affiliated Action Community (AG) with 21.1% and 12 mandates, while the Green and Alternative Students (GRAS) hold 18.6% with 11 mandates. The Young Liberal Students (JUNOS) recently garnered 9% (five mandates), while independent student lists accounted for 8.3% (four mandates). The Communist Student Association (KSV-LiLi) received 5.2% (three mandates), with the KSV-Communist Youth (KSV-KJÖ) obtaining 4.5% (two mandates). Other notable candidates include the group "Who the F*ck is Herbert?" with 4% (two mandates) and the RFS with 2.8% (one mandate). This year, two new lists are participating: the Revolutionary Communist Party (RKP) and a splinter group from the VSStÖ, named "Fölik," which originated at the University of Applied Sciences Campus Vienna.

Given the number of lists and the close results expected at the top levels, decisions regarding the ÖH presidency are typically not finalized on election night but are determined during subsequent coalition negotiations. Presently, a coalition comprising VSStÖ, GRAS, and KSV-LiLi leads the ÖH. The new national representation's term will commence on July 1.