The University of Malta, which manages the Junior College, condemns the incidents which were reported last night following the outcome of the student council elections (KSJC) held earlier on the day.
During the week leading to the election, the administration of the Junior College took all the necessary precautions to ensure that campaigning and voting proceed smoothly. The administration would like to clarify that the reported stand-off with the police happened outside the College’s precincts.
As soon as the result was announced, a number of students who were waiting outside the College tried to force their way past the main gates. Once the gates were dislodged, students made their way on to the main staircase of the building at which stage more Police were called in and order was restored in a timely manner with the gates secured into place once again. Meanwhile, the administration of the Junior College filed a police report relating to the damage caused to the two main gates.
The two main gates at the Junior College had been closed since 5pm. During the counting process, the only people inside the building were members of the Electoral Commission, agents of the two political groups standing for election, the actual candidates, members of the administration of the Junior College and members of the Police force.
The University of Malta would like to express its solidarity with the member of the Police force injured during the incident. Whilst condemning such incidents and behaviour, the University underlines the need for student organisations to embrace a culture of tolerance, inclusion and healthy debate stemming from diverging opinions.