Manifesto
A manifesto is a published declaration of the intentions, motives, or views of the issuer, be it an individual, group, political party or government. A manifesto usually accepts a previously published opinion or public consensus or promotes a new idea with prescriptive notions for carrying out changes the author believes should be made.
Writing Election Manifesto
Your manifesto is a 250 word statement that tells people who you are, what you hope to achieve whilst in the role and why people should vote for you. It’s what people will see when they go online to vote, and will help to set you apart from the other candidates! Before you get started, think about the following:
- Who are your voters? It’s important to remember that students are a diverse range of people, from different backgrounds and cultures, studying at different levels. Try to reach out to and appeal to those students who you want to vote for you!
- Have you done your research? Asking students what they want to change can help you develop a manifesto which will create impact in the role. It can also help you get students on side by making sure you’re focused on what they want!
- Are your goals feasible? All of these roles have many different aspects to them and your manifesto commitments won’t be the only things you’re working on. Make sure you focus on what’s important so you can get it done. This will help you achieve the biggest impact you can.
Content & Structure
You should ensure that the actual content of your manifesto is SMART:
- Specific: What do you want to do?
- Measurable: How will you know when you’ve achieved it?
- Achievable: Is it in your power to accomplish it?
- Realistic: Can you realistically achieve it?
- Time-bound: When exactly do you want to accomplish it by?
If you are elected into a role, the Union will help you to produce realistic deadlines
Using this approach means you are setting out your ideas and intentions in a well-presented clear manner, and students voting in the election will be more interested in how you will actually do and achieve the goals you are setting. Down the line, students will be able to hold you to account much easier as well.
