Communication Studies student Samuel Kofi Payitey has been declared the winner of the Tertiary Education Institution Network (TEIN) presidential election at the University of Media, Arts and Communication-Institute of Journalism (UniMAC-IJ). He secured 104 votes, representing 51.74% of the total votes cast, defeating his opponent who polled 97 votes, representing 48.26%. The election results were announced on October 1, 2026.
The election process was not without controversy, as a petition was filed challenging an alleged breach of campaign regulations by one of the presidential candidates. The TEIN UniMAC-IJ Electoral Commission investigated the petition and considered evidence presented, as well as relevant provisions of the Constitutional Instrument governing the 2026 elections. The Commission's findings were made public in a communiqué dated September 30, 2026.
The Electoral Commission acknowledged that the alleged campaign communication was made on Election Day, after the official campaign period had ended. However, they noted that the applicable electoral regulations did not expressly provide for disqualification as a sanction for campaigning after the close of the campaign period. This was a key factor in their decision not to disqualify the candidate.
The Commission cited Article 19(11) of the 1992 Constitution, which states that a person cannot be convicted of a criminal offence unless the offence and its penalty are prescribed by written law. This principle was deemed relevant to their determination, as the matter was an internal electoral dispute and not a criminal prosecution.
Following the Commission's determination, Samuel Kofi Payitey was formally confirmed as the winner of the 2026 TEIN UniMAC-IJ Presidential Elections. The Commission congratulated Mr. Payitey and all candidates who participated in the election, while urging members to respect the outcome and work towards a peaceful transition and the continued unity of TEIN UniMAC-IJ.
The handing-over ceremony for the new administration is scheduled to take place on October 1, 2026, at the UniMAC South Legon campus at 10am. Members of the TEIN UniMAC-IJ community are expected to gather for the ceremony, which will mark the beginning of Mr. Payitey's tenure as president.
The election of Samuel Kofi Payitey as president of TEIN UniMAC-IJ marks a significant milestone in the institution's democratic process. The TEIN UniMAC-IJ Electoral Commission's transparent and thorough handling of the election process has ensured the integrity of the results, and the new administration is expected to work towards the betterment of the institution.
Key points
- Samuel Kofi Payitey won the election with 51.74% of the total votes cast.
- The Electoral Commission's decision was based on the fact that the applicable electoral regulations did not provide for disqualification as a sanction for campaigning after the close of the campaign period.
- The handing-over ceremony for the new administration is scheduled to take place on October 1, 2026.
