Following a week of lively campaigning and creative social media posts from determined candidates across campus, Sussex students gathered in Falmer Back Bar to hear the results of this year’s Students’ Union elections.Following a week of lively campaigning and creative social media posts from determined candidates across campus, Sussex students gathered in Falmer Back Bar to hear the results of this year’s Students’ Union elections. A buzzing atmosphere permeated the room, with nervous faces in the crowd and cheers erupting as each winner was revealed.
This year’s election saw 11,367 votes cast, demonstrating strong student engagement across the University.
Full-Time Officer Results
The announcements everybody had been waiting for confirmed the new Full-Time Officers. These officers will represent students across key areas including wellbeing, education and student life.
The race for International Students’ Officer proved to be the most competitive of the night. After four rounds of counting, Zarak Rais secured the position with 1,642 votes, making it the toughest contest of the election.
Next, Lyds Knowes was elected Diversity, Access and Participation Officer, receiving 1,149 votes.
The role of Student Living and Sustainability Officer went to Jyothi Hanumatha, who won with 1,467 votes. Reflecting on her victory, she spoke about the community that helped her reach this point:
“I stand on the shoulders of giants – my grandmother, my mother, my family, and communities – everyone who has brought me to where I am today. It’s been a privilege to be here, and I don’t take this lightly. I really want to bring change to the SU. Change has already come because I didn’t think I was going to get elected – but I was, so thank you for all of your support.”
One of the loudest cheers of the evening followed the announcement of Ella Goodchild as Sports, Societies and Events Officer, after she secured 1,394 votes. Speaking about the role, Goodchild shared her enthusiasm for working with Sussex students:
“I love this job so much. It’s the thing that’s given me the confidence to truly excel at what I’m good at. And I love students – I really do. I love watching you be good at what you’re good at, celebrating your wins with you and helping you through the hard times.”
Moreover, the position of Wellbeing Officer went to Annie McEntree, who received 1,053 votes. Speaking after her win, she expressed gratitude to those who supported her campaign:
“That’s a massive relief. Thank you so much for voting again and trusting me to keep doing what I’m doing for students. It’s an absolute honour.“
Meanwhile, Jay Lynch was elected as the Education and Employability Officer, receiving 1,492 votes. Speaking after the announcement, Lynch thanked fellow candidates and reflected on the campaign:
“To everyone else who went out for this role – you are amazing. Thank you so much. This was an amazing campaign. Everyone running would have been such an amazing officer. It’s just such a shame we can’t all do it, but thank you so much – this means the world.”
Part-Time Officer Results
Several Part-Time Officer (PTO) roles were also announced during the evening, representing specific student communities across the University.
- Postgraduate Research Officer: Marcela Gomez
- Women Students’ Officer: Livia Czechowicz
- BAME Students’ Officer: Lya Smith
Following her win, BAME Students’ Officer-elect Lya Smith spoke about her hopes for the role:
“I’m really looking forward to working with all the other part-time and full-time officers and making some well-needed changes for the BAME community at Sussex.”
Trustee Board Representatives
Furthermore, students also elected representatives to sit on the Students’ Union Trustee Board, with the top three candidates taking the positions:
- AJ Chilvers
- Olivia Iseli Lima
- Jason Aaren Lenz
Looking Ahead
As the results concluded and celebrations continued in Falmer Bar, it was clear that the week of campaigning and engagement had brought students together across campus. Candidates, supporters and organisers were applauded for the effort and creativity that went into this year’s election.
The newly elected officers will begin their roles in summer 2026, where they will represent Sussex students and work with the Students’ Union to deliver change across the university.
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