SU Spring Elections 2026 Interviews: Anmol Pandey, VP Democracy & Development

In the run-up to the Warwick Students’ Union (SU) Spring Elections, The Boar offered all Full-Time Officer (FTO) candidates the opportunity to be interviewed.

Anmol Pandey, a postgraduate studying cyber security, spoke to The Boar about the nuances of the Democracy and Development role, the importance of engagement, and his belief in transparency.

Why did you decide to run for this position and what makes you stand out from the other candidates hoping to be DDO?

“I’m passionate about ensuring students genuinely feel represented in the decisions that shape their university experience,” Pandey affirmed. The SU, he said, has “strong democratic structures”, but students still feel disconnected from this. “I want to help bridge the gap”, he said.

What sets Pandey apart from his opponents, he said, is his focus on practical engagement. “I want to make democracy more visible and accessible by improving communication around elections, and strengthening the role of student representatives.”

An independent review last year described the position of DDO as more “operational” and less politicised than other Full-Time Officer roles. Do you agree with that and why?

Pandey did agree – to some extent. He was matter-of-fact about the role being an operational one on the basis of it handling “key democratic processes” like elections, All-Student Votes, and governance structures. Such institutions “require fairness, transparency, and strong organisation”.

Yet he “wouldn’t say it is entirely non-political”. “Democracy itself is inherently about representation and student voice. While the role remains neutral in how democratic processes are delivered, it still plays an important role in empowering students to influence decisions and policies.”

With low turnout and engagement in recent SU elections, how would you adapt the Union’s strategy to make SU democracy more accessible, inclusive, and engaging to the wider student body?

By way of an answer, Pandey asserted his commitment to representation. “I’m committed to listening to students and translating their concerns into meaningful action within the SU and the University. So, I want to bring a balance between the operational role in its responsibilities that is still deeply connected to ensuring student representation and participation within the Union.”

As the Sabbatical Officer leading on sustainability, what new initiatives or services would you implement to extend the current sustainability efforts of the SU?

Pandey emphasised the value he places on transparency: “I want to keep the finances transparent, and make democracy more visible, and it should be accessible to the students. I will improve the communication and contribute towards sustainability by ensuring students take part in every activity that is beneficial for, and that really contributes towards, the sustainability of the University.”

The DDO at Warwick sits on the University Estates and Environment Committee. How would you ensure that students’ interests are communicated and represented at this higher level?

“Immediate feedback and taking surveys”, was the succinct answer. “I will ensure that student voices are listened to by the University.”

This interview, along with all other interviews for Full-Time Officer positions, can be watched in full using the link here.

You can also view a list of all candidates and their manifestos here.