The first ever online referenda at the University of Edinburgh are being held this week, in a landmark event for Edinburgh University Student’s Association (EUSA).

Fourteen questions have been finalised, and students from across the university will be able to cast their votes on issues ranging from free buses, international policy, and cooperation with the newly-elected rector.

Debates on the referendum questions were stretched over two nights – on Monday, at the George Square Lecture Theatre and tonight (Tuesday), at the Pleasance Theatre. Voting on the referenda will last between February 8 and 9, and the results be published soon afterwards.

Matt McPherson, President of EUSA, told The Student, “Online referenda will happen regularly under our new constitution, and I think it forms a new chapter in our democratic history.

“I think that online referenda will prove to be one of the best ways of getting more people engaged and involved with their student union.”

McPherson’s status as a Special Constable in the local police has caused debates among some students, but when asked about question 11 of the referendum, which pertains to the issue, he told The Student, “I’ve been humbled by the amount of support...I’ve had over the last two weeks about my status as a special constable.

“I don’t know if it’s personally directed at me, because I didn’t write the question. I think that for most students, it’s not an issue. In fact, out of the thousands of emails I’ve received from my time as president from students, only one or two have raised the issue.”

Asked about question four, which asks whether EUSA should support the Rector’s proposed accommodation reforms, he said, “Obviously student accommodation is very important to us.

“However, I don’t think this is something the rector can do on his own, or indeed with the help of EUSA. Students need to become engaged and help out with this specific issue, otherwise it won’t change.”

Peter McColl, the recently elected Rector of the university, concurred with McPherson, saying, “I have heard a great deal of concern when I’ve been talking to students. I’m confident that this will be reflected in the referendum vote. “It’s exciting to see so much engagement with the referendum process...I’m really looking forward to the debates.”