by Konstancija Kevisaite & Nil Topcular

Dear readers,

With the evenings getting longer and cups of tea steaming on the working desks more often, the time has come to enter election week. The colourful posters in the hallways, new Instagram follow requests from campaigners, and other interactive content have caught the attention of many, and we at LDD are eager to join the fun by presenting each remarkable candidate and letting the community get to know them more deeply. 

Of course, first and foremost, we want to congratulate each candidate on bravely embarking on this campaign journey and on participating in engaging events! 

The candidates have promised voters they will address countless issues, including limited food options, mental health support, student integration, and administrative matters. To make an informed choice on election day, LDD correspondents invite you to get familiar with every candidate’s campaign through short interviews consisting of four key questions. Responses have been edited for clarity and cohesion.

All the best,

Konstancija & Nil

Anish

Can you introduce yourself?

Hi everyone! I’m Anish (yes, the guy who plays the flute) and I’m from Mumbai, India. I thrive on exploration and find meaning through storytelling and music. They’ve taught me that every voice has a rhythm worth listening to. Along this path, I also discovered meditation, a practice that has stayed with me for four years and become a cornerstone of who I am. It’s helped me cultivate clarity, the kind that replaces chaos with calm, and noise with focus. That sense of clarity, in numerous ways, shapes how I listen, connect, and act every day. 

What changes will we see on campus if you are elected?

“Echo: Every Voice Matters”, my campaign built on two pillars—care and clarity. I believe that listening with genuine attention must be matched by acting with clear purpose. As Year Rep, I’ll create an inclusive environment where student voices directly shape campus life. I plan to set up “Echo Chamber” an online google form published every two months to document concerns of any nature, this will be followed by an Action Pipeline designed in collaboration with the administration. For example, I’ve recently introduced a Fruit Corner in the fridge with fresh, free fruits restocked weekly to promote healthier eating (vending machine food sucks) similarly, I also aim to simplify the LiA Vélo bike process and work with Rue Libre to improve access to bikes so commuting (even in Le Havre weather) becomes smoother 🙂 My goal is simple: a connected, happy and heard student body.

Why should we vote for you and not the other candidates?

Well, why not 🙂 As Year Rep, I plan to build a bridge between the entire student body and the Sciences Po administration—a bridge founded on concern and clarity. My approach begins with listening deeply and ends with acting decisively, with utmost clarity, ensuring that every initiative is both student-driven and institutionally achievable. My campaign, Echo: Every Voice Matters, reflects this belief that no concern is too small to be heard or too specific to be solved. The idea, for me, isn’t to claim I’m better than the other candidates, that’s for you to decide, but to show you that I genuinely care. I care about making campus life lighter, healthier, and more connected, from small actions like the Fruit Corner to larger systems of communication that make your voice count. Because being the year representative, for me, isn’t a title it’s a promise.

What’s a personal weakness that might affect your role, and how will you compensate for it?

Sometimes my calmness becomes my biggest weakness—it’s perceived as being a bit inactive, maybe even unreceptive. As someone who doesn’t panic, I may be seen as a big introvert. Thus, many times I tried to fight my calmness and act as an extrovert with a dominant personality and presence; however, this did not resonate with me and left an inner void. Ultimately, I understand my calmness to be a strength, the force behind clarity, a tool that propels and creates deep understanding within me. It allows me to act with total decisiveness, confidence, and balance even under pressure. As your year rep this will allow me to make decisions that are thoughtful, not impulsive, and create space where every voice feels genuinely heard. Because, very honestly, leadership, to me, isn’t about volume: it’s about clarity and care, the two pillars that define everything I stand for.

Tallulah

Can you introduce yourself?

My name is Tallulah, I’m born in America (New York) but lived in Sweden practically my whole life. To know me, the key is the duality of my academic and casual side. Academically I genuinely enjoy most of our subjects – particularly PI – but I also have diverse passions. To those who I haven’t yet gotten to know personally, I am very passionate about interests like comics, manga, art, debate etc. I absolutely adore anything I dedicate time to, be it academics or my art- and I hope this trait of mine will serve me well for this position.

What changes will we see on campus if you are elected?

Firstly, I think that the administration is bad at making the things we are entitled to as students accessible. My negative experiences with the administration fighting me on legally required accommodations, but also the stories of other students being denied their rights due to SciencesPo bureaucracy makes me think the administration must have a new approach to accommodations and Student Health. Never should SciencesPo rules and tradition take precedent over student comfort, and I would aim to implement a new form of dialogue where, instead of blindly rejecting requests, the admin will work with students seeking aid, even if that means bringing a year representative to meetings to ensure accountability. I also think that the lack of homogeny across the experiences with different seminar teachers must be addressed, preferably by actually having a meeting with the teachers to harmonize the grading and course work of the different seminar groups.

Why should we vote for you and not the other candidates?

To many of you I have shown myself as a competent debater, I am willing to argue for a cause, both person to person and in front of an audience; I am not afraid to be outspoken. However, this alone doesn’t make me a good choice, rather, I like to think before I speak and ensure only the most relevant thing is said. A muddy argument is unconvincing, and blind confidence is inefficient at best. Most importantly, I am willing to listen. The year representative role is about your views, not mine. I have my opinions as you saw above, but more importantly, I will fight for your views and needs as if they were my own, if for no other reason than all my previous debate experiences were about fighting for something which often doesn’t involve yourself. I wouldn’t only forward my visions, I would want to forward yours.

What’s a personal weakness that might affect your role, and how will you compensate for it?

I think my main weakness will be a stubborn nature and a bullheadedness to what I dedicate myself to. This may not sound like an issue until you consider that, in terms of negotiating with the administration, too much stubbornness can result in less efficiency. However, I have learned over the years to, at the very least, pause my stubborn nature and pursue a more mutual solution by compensating with paper work. It sounds odd, I know, but I have found that my stubborn nature is satiated by having a paper trail that, even if I have to compromise to pursue a solution, I am able to hold the other party accountable if they don’t uphold their side of the agreement. In this, I hope to make lasting change as future representatives will be able to draw upon the paperwork in place to make further progress for the school.

Carla

Can you introduce yourself?

Hi, I’m Carla, a French and Vietnamese girl. I was born and grew up in Vietnam, where I attended the French International School of Ho Chi Minh City. Then I came to France for high school. My academic interests are math, economics, and languages. Next year, I’m planning to join EcoSoc. I would describe myself as a friendly and dynamic person who listens to and cares about others. I enjoy representing others and taking on responsibilities, whether it’s on the field or at school. Indeed, my passion is football.

What changes will we see on campus if you are elected?

The first time I arrived at Sciences Po, what struck me the most was the natural attraction we tend to have toward people who share the same origins. I would like to encourage curiosity and the willingness to reach out to others. We are a friendly campus, but I believe that by getting to know each other better, we could build even stronger bonds than we already have. Indeed, friendship groups were formed very quickly. They will probably change over time, but I would really like to emphasize the importance of taking advantage of the great opportunity we have to be surrounded by such amazing people. Of course, I would also be here to represent your voices and act as a bridge between the administration and all of you.

Why should we vote for you and not the other candidates?

I believe that every candidate deserves to be here and has something valuable to offer, so I wouldn’t say I’m “better” than anyone else.  What I can say, however, is that having experienced both the international and French systems in different countries, I feel I can understand  most of the students, whether you are an international student or not.  I am deeply motivated to make our community even more connected and supportive, in an inclusive atmosphere.  Vote for Carla for an infinite aura! 😉

What’s a personal weakness that might affect your role, and how will you compensate for it?

I would say that my biggest weakness is not having much patience. Indeed, I like things to be quick and efficient, but unfortunately, that is not always the case. Since the beginning of the year, I’ve been working on improving this aspect of myself. However, I am a persistent person and I enjoy achieving the goals I set for myself. Therefore, I am convinced that perseverance can make up for this lack of patience. Being resourceful, I always try to find a solution that fits the problem.

Angelina

Can you introduce yourself?

Hello! My name is Angelina and I am Thai, British and French. I am running to be your year representative as I want each and every one of you to feel seen, represented and heard. Whether it’s a global issue across our year group or a personal concern, I promise to make sure that it does not go unnoticed and that the issue is dealt with accordingly to the best of my ability. I hope that I can help make your experience at Sciences Po memorable – one that you continue to cherish in the future.

What changes will we see on campus if you are elected?

If I am elected, I plan to promote transparency on issues by supplying you with a list of the issues to be addressed with the administration, the proposed solutions and the progress made so far. I believe this will improve awareness on issues and contribute towards gathering more solutions. I also want to ensure that communication – both between students and the administration as well as between each other – feels open and safe for everyone. My goal is for our year group to feel like a family: a community where you feel safe to speak up and where all voices are equally valued. If given the chance to be a year representative, I promise to be there for each and every one of you, no matter what the concern. Let’s work together to make this campus a space where dialogue is positive and unifying!

Why should we vote for you and not the other candidates?

Personally, I do not see myself as better than any other candidate. I believe each person running has their own unique attributes to bring to the table and I am rooting for all of them. The reason why I am applying is because I sincerely care about all of you. My previous experience in this position has allowed me to reflect on the importance of this role: a need for all voices to feel acknowledged. Whether or not you have talked to me, seen my face before, please know that I am always here for you – as a friend, listener or simply just someone to talk to if you ever need it. I may be introverted, but I promise to speak on and voice out your concerns clearly so that they are heard and addressed. I hope that you can keep my name in mind during this election :).

What’s a personal weakness that might affect your role, and how will you compensate for it?

As previously mentioned, one of my biggest weaknesses is the fact that I am introverted. I recognise that because I am quite quiet, it may make me feel unapproachable. However, through the numerous leadership positions I have held throughout Secondary school, many people have mistaken me for being an extrovert. Some examples of these roles include Year Representative (6 years), Student Adviser for MUN (4 years) and Secretary of the Student Council. These experiences have helped me to develop both my leadership and communication skills – allowing me to carefully listen to and voice your concerns accurately – required skills that align directly with my detail-orientated nature. Although I may be introverted, I hope that you can see me as someone who you can trust to listen attentively to your concerns, and speak out whenever needed to make sure nothing goes unseen.

David

Can you introduce yourself?

Hi everyone! I’m David, and I’m running to be your Year Representative! My promise? To listen to your 168 voices and carry them as high as the 4th floor, all in an inclusive and transparent spirit. Before Sciences Po, I was involved in various councils and associations, where I learned that real change begins with clear communication, representation, and ambition. Whether you’re international or French, my goal is simple: to turn our campus into a place where every voice matters, and where we can build a truly united community, making us proud to call Sciences Po home.

What changes will we see on campus if you are elected?

If elected, I will make your representation both transparent and efficient. Every raised issue will appear in a Year Rep To-Do-List, showing its exact progress, from “reported” to “resolved”. You’ll always know how things are moving and at what speed. The Information File (IF) will gather all key events, deadlines and updates in a single place. The Monthly Form (MF), an anonymous form launched at the end of each month, will allow each of you to share your issues, feedback and ideas (from the vending machines to everything else that matters to you). But most importantly, these three will be accessible to anyone, anywhere, at any time. Why should you endlessly scroll through WhatsApp to find information? With these documents, a single Linktree will give you access to everything you need, so you’ll always know exactly where to check.

Why should we vote for you and not the other candidates?

Because what I bring to the table isn’t meant to resolve a single issue, like the vending machines’ lack of variousness or healthiness : it is establishing a new network of mechanisms that will not only help us solve that one issue, but all the others we’ll encounter during our two years together.  Moreover, what truly defines me is my ability to unite. I’m both French and international : I was a foreigner myself when I left Romania 13 years ago. I know how hard it can be to adapt, understand how things work, or feel included. But by growing up here, I now master the system’s gears, from paperwork to communication, while keeping that international perspective. So, when I represent you, I won’t say “that’s just how it works in France”. I will make sure it works for everyone, and fuse both communities into one.

What’s a personal weakness that might affect your role, and how will you compensate for it?

I need to admit what I can’t hide: one of my biggest weaknesses is my loud laugh. And if you’ve ever been close enough to me (which basically means being on campus), you’ve definitely heard it. When I laugh, it resonates through the entire building ; I know it because a friend once told me his teammate asked, “Is that David laughing again?”. I’ve learned to control it over time, especially in formal meetings. But I think it also says a lot about me: it lightens up the atmosphere whenever there’s some tension and it truly helps me connect with people. It reminds everyone (in other words, the whole building) that serious work doesn’t have to suppress joy. So yes, my laugh might echo down the hallway, but it more importantly echoes something I deeply care about: creating a space where everyone feels relaxed and trusting.

Patrick

Can you introduce yourself?

Hello, my name is Patrick Luo. I am doing a Dual Degree between SPO and USyd. Two experiences profoundly shaped me as authentic yet a person who seeks to help: Identity Crisis and Mental Health. For the identity crisis, I became very proud of my patriotic Western identity after being disillusioned by both my years in Authoritarian China and Decadent Liberal West. For mental health, I had suffered from severe anxiety due to academic pressures of boarding school and familial conflict which gave me empathy for those struggling.

What changes will we see on campus if you are elected?

The first large change I propose is making LH not just a campus but a home where people can express themselves whether at their best or at their most vulnerable. This would be implemented through a proposed safe and confidential space where students can express themselves. This safe and confidential space can also serve another purpose of encouraging French and international students to share their opinions in small groups with an open mind. With this ability to be vulnerable, trust within campus strengthens allowing us to implement other policies. With trust secured, I propose establishment of confidential channels for students to communicate with admin without any fear of retaliation along with greater coordination between student groups. This should give a safe and strong voice for students who are increasingly burned out by 2 absence rules, 8 am classes, conflicting schedules along with eating from expensive vending machines with little options.

Why should we vote for you and not the other candidates?

I rather not highlight why I am superior to my competitors, but rather highlight what makes me unique.  Firstly, I am more direct and more willing to push the boundaries such as advocating directly and fiercely against the distant administration who do not grasp student stress in academics in their 2 absence rule along with 8 am classes. Moreover, I open a lot of my struggles and express pride in my Western identity which could inspire a more open campus. Secondly, my story of a painful childhood along with academic anxiety enables me to empathise with those struggling with mental health . Thirdly, my previous identity crisis makes me more open to hearing the identity crisis of those with background of dual nationality, expat background, fluid identities or even those of single nationality.

What’s a personal weakness that might affect your role, and how will you compensate for it?

A personal weakness is I can get too direct which is given with my determination to push boundaries. However I believe this directness can be more purposeful in not trying to alienate the campus rather fight for what the campus needs in greater respect by admin along with a more open campus. Moreover, I try to balance this directness with kindness through one on one conversations trying to check in students individually about their academics and their integration.

Nini

Can you introduce yourself?

Hi, I’m Nutsa (or you may know me as Nini, haha). To tell you shortly about myself I would probably start by saying that I am a very passionate person. Meaning, whenever I set a goal, or have a dream, I take it very seriously and make it my mission to achieve that desired goal. Other than that, I am very creative and an extroverted person. I am always down to try new things, and will always be by your side whenever you ask me to do “embarrassing” stuff haha. Shortly, I am a very spontaneous person, and very determined when it comes to achieving my goals.

What changes will we see on campus if you are elected?

If I am in fact elected as a Year Rep, I know for a fact that there will be numerous changes on campus, including free coffee I promised :))  But on more of a serious note, I think being a year rep will influence how people interact with each other, creating a more open, connected, and supportive environment. I want to make sure everyone feels comfortable sharing their ideas and concerns, and that communication between students and the committee is smooth and transparent. I’ll also push for more social and academic events that bring people together — whether it’s casual catch-ups, study sessions, or fun themed activities. Overall, I want to make campus feel more like a community where everyone’s voice matters and where we all feel motivated and included in shaping our experience.

Why should we vote for you and not the other candidates?

You should vote for me because I genuinely care about making our two upcoming years the best it can be, but not just through promises, but through action. I’m approachable, reliable, and always open to hearing everyone’s ideas. I want to be the kind of Year Rep who actually listens and follows through, making sure no one feels left out or unheard. I’m also passionate about creating a fun, inclusive environment where we can all connect beyond the classroom. What sets me apart is that I’m not doing this just for the title, but because I truly want to represent our year and make positive, lasting changes.

What’s a personal weakness that might affect your role, and how will you compensate for it?

One weakness, that is not actually a weakness, but can be seen as one in different settings is probably being too ambitious. I always like to think of too many different ideas all at the same time, while also planning other events, for example. I can see why it can affect my role in a way, but also, I also see how it will be a strength and suitable for my role as a year rep. Being too ambitious, means being creative and determined to try and do almost everything at the same time. In a way, being the way I am will be to the betterment of our community, as you can never have too many events when it comes to student life, especially in university, and especially in Sciences Po, which has a very diverse community.

Tanu

Can you introduce yourself?

I am Tanu Singh. I am from New Delhi. I adore reading and writing! I am an author of 4 books. I am a curious individual who loves to learn about new cultures, languages and gather new experiences. I love sports too. I am open to learn more from all of my peers. Thank you.

What changes will we see on campus if you are elected?

I will say it would be more joyful and more integrated! People will be more aware about each other’s culture and differences. They won’t have to go to administration every time for their problem because I would take the responsibility to make things easier for them. I will take their problems as a priority and address it as soon as possible. We’ll have a compliant box to maintain anonymity for some grievances that one might hesitate to share. And last but not the least, a buddy system based on the interest for the better integration of French and international students and to help international students learn French.

Why should we vote for you and not the other candidates?

You should vote for me because I truly care about making our campus feel like a home  – where everyone feels seen, supported, and connected. I believe that university life isn’t just about studying, but about belonging. If elected, I’ll make it my responsibility to make things easier for all of us – so you don’t have to struggle alone or go through complicated processes every time. I’ll introduce a complaint box to ensure that everyone can share concerns freely, even anonymously, and I’ll treat every issue as a priority. Through a “Buddy System,” I want to bring French and international students closer, helping us learn from one another and build lasting friendships. My vision is a joyful, inclusive campus where we celebrate our differences and grow together – because when we listen to each other, we create something truly beautiful.

What’s a personal weakness that might affect your role, and how will you compensate for it?

One personal weakness I have is that I tend to always be there for everyone, sometimes to the point of neglecting myself. I genuinely care about people and want to help as much as I can, which can sometimes make me take on too much responsibility. However, I’ve learned that to truly support others, I also need to take care of my own balance and energy. That’s why I’m working on setting healthier boundaries and organizing my time more effectively. This way, I can stay available and be attentive to everyone’s needs without burning out. I believe this sensitivity – when managed well is actually a strength, because it comes from empathy and a real desire to make a difference. I’ll use that empathy to listen deeply, act thoughtfully, and make sure every voice is heard.

Nicolas

Can you introduce yourself?

I am Nicolas Aubert, a student from France, with over 7 years of experience as a student representative in the French system, available in French, English, Mandarin Chinese, Teochew and Cantonese. From Seine-Saint-Denis (93), where I grew up, to the 16th district of Paris, where I went to high school, I have had to handle diverse, and most of the time difficult, situations. Yet, I have always used the same approach: listening to all voices, representing them all, using respectful, constructive negotiation and discussion, rather than confrontation, in other words, the most efficient method that I will use for you.

What changes will we see on campus if you are elected?

My role is not to promote my vision of how the campus should be, but to realize yours. This is why each student will get the chance to be represented, all voices will be taken into account. All students will have their rights respected, and will have equal access to information (on issues such as the right or not to access dictionaries during exams). Students will have someone to fulfill their requests: whether it is about the products available in the vending machines or the limited number of microwaves, I will discuss all the requests with the campus administration. To the Paris administration, I will discuss your right to have more than 2 justified absences, because being sick does not prevent you from succeeding in the exams. By voting for me, you will have a representative who will listen to you, and really act for you.

Why should we vote for you and not the other candidates?

With over seven years of experience as a student representative in the French system, I have acquired knowledge about the French rules of procedure. By voting for me, you will vote for someone who knows what the French laws are and how they work. To ensure that your rights are respected, that you will be assisted, choose someone with experience dealing with French administrations, a former member of French administrative disciplinary committees, in other words, the best choice you can make. Moreover, during these years dedicated to students, I have understood that to get requests fulfilled, constructive discussions work better than confrontation or debate. Negotiating with the admin is not like debating in a simulation, you have real issues to address, issues that can change students’ lives. By voting for me, you will vote for a Year Rep who knows how to represent you, in 5 languages.

What’s a personal weakness that might affect your role, and how will you compensate for it?

English is not my native language, but I can still speak it, almost fluently, and understand it almost perfectly. However, to be honest, I might need more time to search for the good words sometimes, or misunderstand some idioms. I will do my best in these two years to improve my English. Nevertheless, as the majority of Sciences Po’s admin members speak French, as well as French administration’s staff, it should not be a major issue that could prevent me from representing you, and getting your rights respected in a highly efficient way.