The National Union of Students had an election this week, apparently. There's a new president, that's confirmed, but a new treasurer or secretary? That is anyone's guess.
New vice presidents of welfare, education, further education? Who knows?
As far as elections go, the NUS election came - and went, virtually unnoticed.
In the lead up to the election, writes Alexandra Smith, a keen field of candidates posted their manifestos on their personal web sites and blogs. T-shirts, posters and promotional material fit for any general election were produced. It was shaping up to be a big event.
A short and sweet email revealing the successful new president was circulated this week from the national conference in Blackpool after the "big" vote. Gemma Tumelty, formerly the union's secretary, secured enough votes to win the top spot.
For a group championing the rights of students- who are likely to have a tough time of it with the arrival of top up fees in September- the NUS election was shrouded in secrecy. Or at least, so it appeared.
Even Kat Fletcher, the outgoing president who served her maximum two-year reign, is keeping mum on life after NUS. She has only revealed that she intends to remain working somewhere doing something within the education sector.
Many a former NUS president has used the top job as a springboard into the House of Commons. Charles Clarke, Stephen Twigg, Jack Straw and Lorna Fitzsimons to name a few.
It is, no doubt, a career training ground. But what happened to the student union of old? Is it now nothing more than a vehicle for graduates to beef up their CVs before stepping out into the big wide world?
Gone are the days of rousing speeches, pickets and desperate commitment to fellow classmates. Instead, if the NUS election is anything to go by, is it merely a stepping-stone to bigger and better things? So much for democracy.
