Student Society President-Elect Removed Due to Conservative Activist Posts

Oxford Union debate
The activist and student leader took part in a discussion at the student society in spring

The president-elect of the Oxford Union has been ousted from office after failing a no-confidence vote that came after his controversial online comments about Charlie Kirk.

The vote against George Abaraonye achieved the required super-majority to oust him from his position, according to an statement from the society.

Disputed Comments

The controversy began after the student reportedly posted messages on social media that appeared to celebrate the killing of Charlie Kirk, who was shot dead while addressing a university in the United States.

According to reports, one social media message reportedly read "Charlie Kirk got shot loool" - using an elongated version of the acronym for 'laughing out loud'.

The student leader is also said to have posted in a messaging group with other members appearing to welcome the incident.

Election Results

The vote of confidence was conducted over the weekend, with outcomes revealed on this week.

Society announcements showed that 1,228 ballots were cast in favor of no confidence, while just over five hundred were against the motion.

The announcement stated that the president-elect was deemed to have stepped down in accordance with the Oxford Union's rules.

Society notice
The Oxford Union shared the result of the confidence motion on Tuesday morning

Election Controversies

Proceedings were temporarily halted early on Monday after the returning officer was allegedly subjected to "obstruction, intimidation, and unwarranted hostility" from several representatives.

In a statement, Mr Abaraonye asserted that the vote tally had been halted because electoral officials believed "no legitimate and true result could be reached as a result of process errors".

His response categorically refuted that any person acting for the student had participated in intimidating or disruptive behavior.

Ongoing Dispute

The student stated that significant concerns had been submitted to the governing body and that he continued as the elected leader.

His statement added that he was "grateful and honored to have the support of well in excess of a majority of university members" who voted to have a "safe election and resist attempts to subvert democracy".

Opponents have said that any failure to remove him would "demonstrate internationally that the Oxford Union has prioritized politics over principles".

Charlie Kirk speaking
Charlie Kirk was shot dead while speaking at a college in last month

External Reactions

On recently, Kirk's former chief of staff read out an public message to the society on a related program podcast.

The letter criticized the society of becoming a institution where "presidents of the union openly applaud the assassination of a political opponent".

The communication indicated that if the student were to remain in post, supporters would "personally contact every U.S. political figure who has ever graced the union's chamber and advise them against future participation".

The society had previously condemned Mr Abaraonye's remarks after the activist's killing and confirmed that complaints filed against him had been referred for official review.

The student leader had been one of several students to debate with Kirk at the society in May.

Alex Duarte
Alex Duarte

A passionate writer and digital enthusiast with a knack for storytelling and sharing actionable insights.