UTMSU elections underway 
InnovateUTM’s Manaal Fatima, a third-year political science and criminology student, is passionate about “helping students navigate university,” ensuring access to resources and support, and improving academic policies and expanding mentorship programs.

As the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) enters the last stretch of the 2025 winter term, the UTM Students’ Union (UTMSU) is preparing for its executive elections. These elections will determine the individuals who will represent the UTM community in the 2025 to 2026 school year. Nominations have already been confirmed, and campaigning across campus is in full swing as candidates engage with students regarding the election.

Voting information

The election’s voting period will run daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., starting on March 11 and ending on March 13. In-person voting will take place at the William G. Davis Building (DV), the Communication, Culture, and Technology Building (CCT), the Instruction Centre (IB), Maanjiwe Nendamowinan (MN), and the Kaneff Centre (KN). The campaigning period, which started on March 3, will last until the end of the voting period. 

All UTM undergraduate students, including students at the Mississauga Academy of Medicine, are eligible to vote. Voters must bring their T-Card or a piece of government-issued ID to the polling station, where voting will be done via paper ballots. 

According to their website, the UTMSU notes that this year’s election process will be governed by the Election Procedure Code. Any questions or concerns about the elections can be directed to the union’s Chief Returning Officer at cro@utmsu.ca.

Candidate statements

President 

If elected UTMSU President, Aryaman Chopra promises to donate his estimated C$30,000 salary to charity and students in need while lobbying against unnecessary fees and working to “centralize certain parts of the UTMSU.” 

EvolveUTM’s Nehal Nakib, a fourth-year philosophy student, is a firm believer in UTM’s potential and hopes to “lead, advocate, and ensure the best UTM experience.” 

InnovateUTM’s Andrew Park, a fourth-year criminology, law and society student, is passionate about advocating for access to employment and raising awareness of student resources while pushing for increased drop-in physical activity events. 

Vice President External 

EvolveUTM’s Karan Chandi, a fourth-year political science student, believes the university is about “connections, opportunities and impact,” and hopes to advocate for student needs and create opportunities for students. 

InnovateUTM’s Rajas Dhamija is running to “enhance transit and campus accessibility,” while advocating for a gaming lounge and more private study pods to enrich student life and make “UTM more efficient, engaging, and student-friendly.” 

Vice President Internal 

EvolveUTM’s Abdullah Yousuf, a fourth-year CCIT and political science student, will depend on his experience as an international student to optimize students’ time while saving them money by using funds for student services, resources, and events. 

InnovateUTM’s Owen (Rui) Zhang, a second-year digital enterprise management student, is passionate about “making UTM a place where students feel supported” and will strive to ensure financial transparency and streamline UTMSU’s operations. 

Vice President Equity 

EvolveUTM’s Tozie Amaechi believes “every student deserves to be seen, heard, feel welcome and find community at UTM,” and wishes to advocate for inclusivity, strengthen students’ communal bond, and create meaningful change.”

Aymaan Chowdhury believes “equity is about action, fairness, and real change,” and will work to amplify student voices, push for better accessibility and mental health supports, and advocate for equity-promoting safe spaces and policy changes.

InnovateUTM’s Miatah McCallum, a third-year philosophy and sociology student, is passionate about supporting racialized students, whether through services or financial opportunities and will advocate for accessibility to students. 

Vice President University Affairs 

EvolveUTM’s Manisha Biring, a third-year criminology, sociology, and education studies student believes that all students seek success and is committed to “advocating for inclusive, empowering policies that help students succeed in their own way.”

InnovateUTM’s Manaal Fatima, a third-year political science and criminology student, is passionate about “helping students navigate university,” ensuring access to resources and support, and improving academic policies and expanding mentorship programs.