Matthew Renzitti has been elected AMS vice-president student life with 71.2 per cent of the vote, defeating Chengwei Hu, who received 19.5 per cent. Turnout was three per cent, with 1,860 students participating — 9.3 per cent of whom abstained on the vote.
“It's honestly unreal. I'm excited for the student life position, and hopefully we can get this role to a point where it stays permanently," Renzitti told The Ubyssey after winning.
"My heart's a little racy right now. I'm a little lost for words."
Renzitti's election closes a six-month effort to fill the role after no candidates ran in March's AMS elections, putting the future of the position at doubt.
He has been holding the position as an interim since May 31, and hasreceived praise from councillors for his plans and recent performance.
“Athletics and recreation,” “events and live music,” and “hospitality and nightlife” were the three pillars of Renzitti's campaign. Notably, he is promising to steer Block Party through financial constraints, secure free cover for UBC students at nightclubs in downtown Vancouver, and collaborate with UBC Athletics & Recreation for a “retro-themed” event to commemorate War Memorial Gym's 75-year anniversary.
The sixth-year Renzitti ran against Chengwei Hu, a first-year student who ran on bringing inclusion and transparency to the office.
Confusion brewed during the campaign period when Hu requested to withdraw from the race. After an email confirming his withdrawal was sent to the student body, Hu changed his mind and asked to remain a candidate — a request Elections Administrator Keiko Prasadja granted.
Renzitti is expected to take office in the coming week.
