By Danny Crowley
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The students’ union elections have brought out the dark side of its candidates as one falsely accused another of disliking Muslims.

Presidential candidate Kunaal Khemlani, from the CityZens slate, has been accused by education vp candidate Rezaul Islam, from Team Edge, of disliking Muslims.

Rumours are circulating around the university that Rezaul has been telling potential voters not to select Khemlani because he does not like Muslims. According to the SU election rules any accusations made about another candidate must be made to the students’ union body in writing.

Khemlani says: “I have heard the allegations but I have not yet made any formal complaints.”
Emelie Helsen, students’ union advocacy manager, said: “There are a lot of rumours circulating at the moment and candidates have been pointing fingers at each other but there have been no formal complaints.”

She added: “We have an election policy that no candidates can involve themselves in negative campaigning.” Islam has denied making the comments.
The Team Edge have also been criticised for falsely claiming support from the media team and the Hindu Society. The Hindu Society and media team have given their support to NUS delegate Kahleda Boshir, who is part of Team Edge. However, they did not give their support to the whole Team Edge.

Khemlani says: “We feel the Team Edge slate should make a public retraction, for falsely claiming that they are being supported by the media team and Hindu Society.”

The CityZens slate have not been entirely free of controversy. They have come under criticism for the offensive slogans on their campaign posters. One slogan reads “Don’t be a punnani, vote for Khemlani” while another states “Don’t be a nipple, vote for Sipple”.

Voting opened on Wednesday  March 24 and closed on Wednesday March 31.

Go to www.culsu.co.uk for results.