Student Society Future Leader Removed Following Conservative Activist Posts

Oxford Union debate
Charlie Kirk and George Abaraonye took part in a debate at the student society in May

The president-elect of the prestigious debating society has been ousted from office after failing a no-confidence vote that came after his controversial online comments about the conservative activist.

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

Disputed Comments

The dispute erupted after Mr Abaraonye reportedly shared messages on social media that seemed to celebrate the killing of Charlie Kirk, who was shot dead while addressing a college in the United States.

According to sources, one Instagram post reportedly read "Charlie Kirk got shot loool" - using an extended form of the phrase 'lol'.

The president-elect is also reported to have written in a messaging group with other members seeming to express approval of the event.

Election Results

The no-confidence motion took place over the recent days, with results announced on Tuesday.

Society announcements indicated that 1,228 ballots were cast in favor of no confidence, while 501 were opposed the motion.

The notice confirmed that the president-elect was considered to have resigned in following the Oxford Union's rules.

Oxford Union announcement
The student society shared the outcome of the no-confidence vote on this week

Election Controversies

Proceedings were informally suspended early on the previous day after the returning officer was reportedly subjected to "interference, threats, and inappropriate behavior" from multiple individuals.

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

His response unequivocally denied that any representative appointed by the student had engaged in threatening or obstructive conduct.

Continuing Controversy

The president-elect maintained that significant concerns had been submitted to the disciplinary committee and that he continued as president-elect.

His comment added that George was "proud and thankful to have the support of well in excess of a majority of students at Oxford" who voted to have a "secure voting process and resist attempts to subvert democracy".

Critics have argued that any failure to remove him would "signal to the world that the society has prioritized politics over principles".

Charlie Kirk speaking
The conservative activist was fatally shot while addressing a university in last month

External Reactions

On Friday, Mikey McCoy presented an public message to the society on a related program podcast.

The message criticized the union of becoming a institution where "student leaders openly applaud the assassination of a ideological rival".

The communication indicated that if Mr Abaraonye were to remain in post, Kirk's allies would "personally contact every U.S. political figure who has ever graced the union's chamber and urge them never again to lend their name".

The society had earlier condemned Mr Abaraonye's comments after Kirk's death and confirmed that complaints submitted about him had been referred for official review.

The student leader had been one of multiple members to discuss with the activist at the society in spring.

Jamie James
Jamie James

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