It’s not all so common that an executive candidate decides to run for a post in the ASUC (or in any organization) 24 hours before the filing deadline. It’s also not so common for an executive candidate to run as an independent, without a large party’s support. There is not much, it turns out, that is ordinary about my campaign or, more broadly, my decision to run for the office of external affairs vice president. I aim in this piece to tell my story, hopefully clarifying my intentions, principles and values — first as a UC Berkeley student and second as a candidate.

Initially, I was prompted to enter the election when I saw that a CalSERVE candidate was effectively running unopposed for the EAVP position (a Defend Affirmative Action Party candidate was also on the ticket). Thus, I entered this election to prompt discourse and the competition of ideas, giving UC Berkeley students the right of choice. No candidate should run unopposed for any post, period — especially for an executive office at UC Berkeley. Yet I stand to be far more than merely “the opposition” in this race: I hold developed criticisms of the ASUC and, most importantly, a vision to reform our student government and its polarizing political culture.

It is well known among students that ASUC politics often revolve more around “community” issues than the broader ideas and principles relevant to the common needs of our diverse campus of UC Berkeley students (exceeding 35,000 in number). Consequently, we find that our Sproul-friendly campaigners, once set in office, spend more time bickering about their narrow interests than generally pertinent, broadly representative policies. My opponents are especially known for perpetuating this divisive political culture, and I am committed to being the exception. Focusing nearly exclusively on representing the underrepresented communities on campus, CalSERVE imminently fails to account for the broader opinions and needs of the silent majority at UC Berkeley. Under my leadership, no communities or student groups will need to fear being “underrepresented”; I am committed to serving all, regardless of affiliation, creed, sexual orientation, ideology and so on.

Beyond these principles and themes of my campaign, I am distinguished from my fellow candidates by the relevancy of my experience and the pragmatic nature of my platforms. Serving on the California School Boards Association Legislative Committee for two years, I represented all K-12 students in the California public education system, reviewing and critically considering education-related legislation. I worked with administrators, teachers and other members of the educational community across ideological lines to advocate education policy. I also have extensive experience in the global nonprofit sector, serving on the Board of Directors for the organization Sister Cities International. With SCI, I worked alongside mayors, diplomats and members of the private sector to sustain and develop grassroots relationships between our global network of nearly 600 cities and 2,000 subnational partnerships through promoting cultural awareness, economic development and humanitarian assistance. Furthermore, my platforms demonstrate my commitment to fostering a positive working relationship with UC President Janet Napolitano and the Board of Regents, supporting the pending creation of our student district and encouraging discourse between different communities through quarterly town hall meetings put on by the EAVP’s office.

I represent a commitment to a new political culture, according to which those within the ASUC fight for the general interests of all UC Berkeley students and pursue an agenda grounded in pragmatic principles and ideas. My business shall absolutely not be to divide our community by convenient, politically charged rhetoric. Rather, I will focus my efforts to unite students around common issues and strengthen our collective voice. I am committed to ensuring that your EAVP, the student responsible for acting as UC Berkeley’s representative to the outside world, is known for focusing on what connects us rather than what divides us.

Nicolas L. Jaber is a candidate for ASUC external affairs vice president.

Contact the opinion desk at [email protected] or follow us on Twitter: @dailycalopinion.