On Thursday 12th, shortly after 12pm, the JCR became setting to the final Hustings of this year's sabbatical elections race. Proceedings began in earnest with the candidates for Deputy President: Finance and Services (Oliver Pell and Sameena Misbahuddin) taking the floor. The first question asked of the two candidates related to whether a commercial services manager should be introduced, and whether or not revenue from commercial services should be used to fund clubs & societies. Mr Pell noted that this had already been proposed, and this should be assessed on its own merit, but it should be clear that should this be introduced, it would be funded by commercial services alone. He also mentioned that clubs & societies are indirectly funded by commercial services, in improved facilities. Sameena Misbahuddin also stated that this has been a topic of discussion already, and added that wherever possible, revenue should be used to fund clubs and societies, not just re-invested in the facilities. As at Tuesday's Hustings, the question was raised as to which sabbatical position would be cut first should money run short within the Union. Both candidates agreed that all sabbatical positions are essential, and that the amount they are being paid could be reviewed.

After Finance and Services, the candidates for the post of Felix Editor (Darius Nikbin, Geoff Lay and Dave Edwards) were called forwards, starting with Darius Nikbin. Mr Nibkin described his experience as "unparalleled", both in his work implementing the film and science sections of Felix, and in work for New Scientist. He placed importance on student contributions, expressing concern that this year, Felix was typified by "a few extremists", and then illustrated his plans for a weekly open forum, to encourage everyone to contribute. Geoff Lay emphasized a need for balance in Felix, citing his work on the Coffee Break section as being a step in that direction. He believes that his viewpoint as a reader first, rather than a long-standing contributor, would allow him a unique perspective to improve Felix. Dave Edwards stressed that he is the only candidate who has the experience, as Deputy Editor, of everything needed to produce Felix, and of running one of the student media, as IC Radio Station Manager. He then outlined his promises: printing all reasonable sports articles submitted, offering CDs and tickets, and publishing an events diary for both events within the college and in London in general. The candidates were then asked about the possible introduction of an events diary, and how this could be achieved when it has not in the past. All three candidates noted that such a diary was within their manifestoes.

Next came the turn of the candidates for Deputy President: Clubs and Societies (Richard Walker, Julie Morgan, Alison Miller and Matthew Asher) to put their views and pledges across. The incumbent, Richard Walker, stated that he was delivering on his original promises and that although paperwork was becoming a problem, that it was not something that could be solved in the remaining time within the year. However, he said that in a second year of office, he could do something about it. Julie Morgan outlined her aims for next year: to improve communications, reduce red tape to stop holding back clubs and societies, and that online administration could help greatly. Alison Miller expressed her belief that it is important to encourage people to get involved in clubs and societies, and to improve communication with the student body as a whole. Matthew Asher began by stating that he wished to achieve everything the other candidates wanted to achieve, but added his desire to increase the provision of fresh fruit to clubs and societies, and implement more pie-related activities.

Future issues for clubs & societies over the coming year was the first topic to be addressed by the DPCS candidates. Mr Walker stated concerns over the college itself wishing to take over certain aspects of the running of clubs and societies, namely sport. Ms Miller spoke of the issue of participation vs excellence, particularly in sports clubs. Ms Morgan expressed her agreement with the other candidates, adding that loss of facilities would also be an issue. Mr Asher noted that the closure of the sports centre would affect many clubs heavily, and that, as every year, recruitment will be an important issue.

Following these questions, the candidates for President, Mustafa Arif, and Ameet Bhakta were called to put their views across. The questions to the Presidential candidates began with a very generalised query of whether change is actually worth implementing, Mr Bhakta reiterated his belief indicated in his manifesto that the Union does not serve its members, and that greater dedication is needed to improve the situation, Mr Arif, on the other hand, said that change for change's sake is pointless, something real has to be achieved. Concern was expressed through a question concerning how the current problem of apathy over what happens within the Union could be solved, Mr Bhakta reiterated his belief that many students didn't see that anything was being done for them, adding that he felt himself to be in touch with the student population at large, and could deliver what they wanted. Mr Arif pointed out that apathy is a very general problem everywhere, not just at Imperial, and that the Union enjoys a greater voter turnout than many other institutions across the country. He went on to attribute this to the wide variety of clubs and societies, stating that this is an area that should continue to be improved to even higher levels. A final question to the candidates concerned the use of certain choice expletives, and whether this is appropriate. Mr Arif suggested that swearing is useful, if used in moderation. Mr Bhakta (who it was gathered the question was directed at) apologised for his use of bad language, and promised not to do it again.

When it came time for questioning the Education and Welfare candidates, the floor suddenly became inspired, and a large number of questions were fielded. The position has four candidates standing: Jihane Belkoura, Kevin Fox, Sam Rorke and Ashkan Salamat. Highlights included; did the candidates think they are in touch with the student population? Ms Belkoura's proposer stressed that he was only speaking on her behalf, and that he believed that nobody else was as in touch with the students as she was. Mr Fox replied that he felt he was in touch with students, in his role as a departmental societies Chair, and spoke of his intentions to operate an open door policy. Mr Rorke responded by describing the different areas in which he is involved with the Union and thus has contact with students. Mr Salamat called to the floor to answer the question on his behalf, gaining a mixed response, after which he reiterated his desire for greater interaction.

Where did the candidates stand on the apolitical approach of the Union? Mr Rorke suggested that political stances should only be taken on issues that directly affect the students. Mr Salamat expressed his belief that everyone's views should be expressed, and students should be allowed to uphold their beliefs. Ms Belkoura's proposer agreed with the Union's apolitical stance. Mr Fox, also agreed, mentioning the proposed Anti-Bush policy, which he voted against since it would not have affected students directly.

Overall, proceedings ran smoothly and quickly, finishing just before 1.30pm. As with previous elections, RON (Re-Open Nominations) is standing for all positions, allowing students to vote for a new set of candidates.

So now for the vote itself. Online voting opens at 00.01 on Friday 13th of February, voting closing at 19.00 on Tuesday 17th.