University of Glasgow students have elected Edward Snowden to serve as Rector for the next three years.  

The result of the online election was announced to candidates and their supporters in the Bute Hall shortly after polls closed at 5pm on Tuesday 18 February 2014.

Mr Snowden said: "I am humbled by and grateful to the students of Glasgow University for this historic statement in defence of our shared values.

"We are reminded by this bold decision that the foundation of all learning is daring: the courage to investigate, to experiment, to inquire.

"If we do not contest the violation of the fundamental right of free people to be left unmolested in their thoughts, associations, and communications - to be free from suspicion without cause - we will have lost the foundation of our thinking society. The defence of this fundamental freedom is the challenge of our generation, a work that requires constructing new controls and protections to limit the extraordinary powers of states over the domain of human communication.

"This election shows that the students of Glasgow University intend to lead the way, and it is my great honour to serve as their rector."

The Rector is elected by the students of the University and not only represents the students but is also, ex-officio, the Chairman of the University Court, the body which administers the resources of the University.

David Newall, Secretary of Court at the University of Glasgow, said: “This has been a record turn out for a Rectorial Election and I warmly congratulate  Edward Snowden on his success. I would also like to thank Charles Kennedy for the contribution he has made to the University over the last six years.”

Charles Kennedy, the outgoing Rector said, “It has been a pleasure and a privilege to serve the students of the University of Glasgow for the past six years.  The post of Rector is an important one, and I would like to wish my successor all the very best for his term of office.” 

The full election result was as follows:

  Step 1   Step 2
Alan Bissett:  983  eliminated
Kelvin Holdsworth:  1258 1563
Edward Snowden:  3124 3347
Graeme Obree:  1120 1412
     
Spoilt/NTV 75 238
Quota 3243.5 3162
Total 6560 6560

Further information:

Media enquiries: media@glasgow.ac.uk / 0141-330-3535

SRC webpages on the office of Rector: http://www.glasgowstudent.net/about/rector/

Full statement from Edward Snowden's campaign team: www.facebook.com/edwardsnowdenforrector

First published: 18 February 2014

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