2025 Commonwealth Students Association Elections: Thirty-eight candidates announced by CSA Elections Electoral Board
August 25The Commonwealth Students Association is pleased to announce the official launch of the 2025 Commonwealth Students Association (CSA) executive elections. To kickstart the campaign period, the CSA electoral board has confirmed 38 candidates to compete for seats on the Executive Committee.
The CSA, one of 14 youth-led networks supported by the Commonwealth Youth Programme, provides a platform for national student councils and student-led organisations across the Commonwealth. The elected leaders, who will serve from 2025 to 2028, will play a pivotal role in advancing student advocacy, democratic participation, and leadership in education policy and practice.
The Chairperson of the Commonwealth Students association said:
‘The Commonwealth Students Association has tremendous potential to be a global powerhouse in the ecosystem of education advocacy particularly in the Global South. The CSA has supported the establishment of new National Student Organizations and strengthening of existing ones through capacity building, stakeholder engagement, representation at high level meetings, consultations, conferences and other creative initiatives. I’m excited for the new chapter of the CSA under the 2025-2028 leadership team who will carry on the vision from 2012 birthed in Mauritius of student led, grass roots corporation to achieve quality education for all.’
Encouraging young people across all 56 member nations to actively participate in the election and engage with the candidates on their manifestos, Layne Robinson, Head of Social Policy Development at the Commonwealth Secretariat, highlighted the importance of youth leadership in driving change.
He said:
‘The voices of young people remain central to shaping the future. This election offers young people a vital chance to elect leaders who will carry forward the network’s important work in expanding educational opportunities for students across the Commonwealth.’
Layne Robinson also commended CSA as a staunch advocate for student rights and welfare. Through its campaigns and initiatives, the network has raised awareness about mental health, student safety, and gender equality. By amplifying the voices of students from diverse backgrounds, the CSA has fostered greater inclusivity and representation in higher education across the Commonwealth.
Timeline
- 25th August: Online campaigning begins with candidates unveiling their manifestos
- 9th September: Online campaigning concludes
- 11th September – 12th September: Voting will take place virtually
- 12th September to 13th September: Announcement of results
Find out more about the 2025 candidates
The 2025 candidates are grouped by each role:
President
Wisdom Takyi Gyan – Ghana
Wisdom Takyi Gyan from Ghana currently serves as the International President of the African Law Students’ Association (ALSA). Wisdom leads a continental organisation committed to legal literacy, justice reform, and youth engagement across Africa.
Francis Azubuike- Nigeria
Francis Azubuike, from Nigeria, is a 2024 Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholar, a former Steering Committee Member of the Global Student Forum, and the outgoing Africa Regional Representative of the CSA. Renowned for championing student rights and transformative policies across regions, he aspires to the CSA Presidency to advance access, inclusivity, and innovation, empowering especially marginalised students across the Commonwealth.
Joseph Nii Laryea Tetteh- Ghana
Joseph Tetteh is a dynamic Ghanaian youth leader, communications strategist, and social impact advocate passionate about using storytelling, innovation, and strategic communication to drive change across communities. With a strong background in Information Technology and Management, he has successfully merged tech-savviness with communication to support development-focused initiatives in education, leadership, entrepreneurship, and social inclusion.
Janet Nyarko- Ghana
Janet Nyarko is a Ghanaian student leader committed to advocating for youth empowerment, educational equity, and inclusive development. With extensive experience in student governance, programme coordination, and grassroots advocacy, she has championed impactful initiatives that foster collaboration, amplify student voices, and create opportunities for young people to thrive.
Vice President – Advocacy and Partnerships
Innocent Nshindano- Zambia
Innocent Nshindano from Zambia is a holder of a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the Copperbelt University and duo candidate of Master of Laws in Mineral Resources and Extraction Law and Diplomatic Practice. Protocol and Public Relations at the Zambia Institute of Diplomacy and International Studies.
Zainab Iqbal- Pakistan
Zainab Iqbal is a corporate lawyer and nationally recognised youth policy advocate from Pakistan, with over six years of sustained leadership in youth empowerment, legal reform, and advocacy. She currently serves as the Spokesperson of the Youth General Assembly, where she leads student consultations, legal literacy seminars, and national campaigns on education, equity, and constitutional rights.
Chidubem Favour Nwaibe- Nigeria
Chidubem Nwaibe is a seasoned student leader, national policy advocate, and youth development strategist with over 6 years of leadership across Nigerian, West African, and Commonwealth student platforms. From campus-based organising to national-level reform, his work consistently uplifts the voices of young people and secures meaningful results.
Justice Alor- Ghana
Justice Alor is a young Ghanaian leader devoted to advocacy that uplifts, partnerships that empower, and leadership that serves with purpose. He led some of the most transformative student-centered initiatives on campus and beyond as a student leader. As Speaker of the University of Ghana Parliament House (UGPH), he spearheaded its 20th Anniversary celebration, hosting Ghana’s sitting Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin, and brokered a landmark institutional partnership with Parliamentary Network Africa (PNAfrica).
Soham Ketkar- India
Soham Ketkar is the founder of IMPACT Labs (The Youth Lab program), a non-profit organisation conducting surveys and collaborating with the government on policy making and implementation. He has also worked as a social media associate for the G20 Youth India Secretariat where he reached over 10 million people, enhancing youth participation in international policy discussions.
Portia Agyemang- Ghana
Portia Ahenkan Agyemang is a physician, health advocate, and dynamic student leader with a strong record of driving impactful initiatives across Ghana and beyond. As the 58th Secretary for women Development at the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS), representing over 13.5 million students locally and abroad, she has pioneered projects advancing education, technology, women’s empowerment, entrepreneurship, and social justice.
Shreya Vashisht- India
Shreya Vashisht is a Pharmaceutical Sciences undergraduate at Panjab University, India, with a deep-seated commitment to student advocacy, youth empowerment, and equitable education. Over the past few years, she has led impactful initiatives across grassroots and national platforms through her roles as State Convenor (Punjab) and now National Co-Convener of PharmaVision, a pan-India network connecting pharma students and academicians.
Marion Odhiambo- Kenya
Marion Odhiambo is a dynamic youth leader, communication and advocacy expert, certified mediator with the Judiciary of Kenya, and a passionate champion of education, peace, and sustainable development. Currently serving as the East African Community Youth Ambassador for Kenya, she brings a strong record of regional leadership and grassroots mobilisation across Africa.
Vice President – Communication and Research
Deepshika Jana- India
Deepshika Jana from India is currently pursuing an Integrated BSc.-MSc. in Forensic Science at the National Forensic Sciences University. Her leadership journey includes roles such as Head of the Executive Committee at the Fayol Management Society, Student Editor of NFSU’s official newsletter Itivrit, and Senior GB Member in AIESEC in Delhi IIT.
Muhammad Mahad Arif- Pakistan
Muhammad Mahad Arif is a member of the Prime Minister’s National Youth Council in Pakistan. He is a result-oriented team player with proven capability to create and execute short- and long-term business plans with a strong understanding of creative and technical aspects of internal and external production and business development.
Mridula Manasvi RK- India
Mridula Manasvi is a 18-year-old student dedicated to making a positive difference in the world. She is also the founder of The Plantterra and is dedicated to educating individuals and encouraging environmental action through events and social media content.
Princess Acolatse- Ghana
Princess Nana Ama Sarfoah Acolatse is a passionate and visionary Ghanaian student leader currently pursuing her Master of Architecture degree at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). Over the past four years, Princess has served in key leadership roles at various levels.
Mohd Jakirul Islam- Bangladesh
Mohd Jakirul Islam is a distinguished UPG Sustainability Leader, visionary Emerging Technologist, and founder of multiple innovative initiatives that aim to address global challenges through technology and sustainable practices. He is a Millennium Fellow recognized by international organizations such as United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) and Millennium Campus Network (MCN).
Vice President – Democracy and Participation
Shaikh Rifad Mahmud- Bangladesh
Shaikh Rifad Mahmud is a Bangladeshi youth leader, social reformer, and international advocate whose journey from personal hardship to global influence exemplifies resilience, empathy, and purpose-driven leadership. He currently serves as the Education Relations Officer at the Commonwealth Students’ Association (CSA) and a Youth Advisory Group Member at the United Nations in Bangladesh.
Priyanka Chakraborty- India
Priyanka Chakraborty from India is a youth climate advocate, author, environmentalist and public speaker. She founded Save & Plant Trees in 2020 and has represented young voices at platforms like COP29 (UNFCCC), the Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament, and Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2025. inspire.
Anika Joshi- India
Anika Joshi is a youth leader from India studying at King’s College London. As Chief of Staff for the Commonwealth Youth Council’s Policy & Advocacy Committee, she has worked with leaders from 20+ countries on education, climate action, and digital equity. At the Indian Youth Diplomacy Forum, she led 20+ international initiatives, managed a 300-member global team, and connected 500+ young people across India and the UK, boosting engagement by 40%.
Muhammed Ramlat Hajiya Kisakye – (Nigeria)
Muhammed Ramlat Hajiya Kisakye is a 400-level Architecture student at Ahmadu Bello University Zaria with a proven strong work ethic and a passion for promoting the field of architecture. Her focus areas include Interior Design, Fashion Design, and Paintworks, complemented by research interests in Afrocentric Architecture, Building Construction, and Project Management.
Enock Frimpong- Ghana
Enock Frimpong is currently the secretary for International Relations – National Union of Ghana Students.
Moseti Kemunto
Fridah Kemunto Moseti is a law student and student leader at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa. As University President, she champions inclusive governance, sustainability, and youth empowerment. With experience in policy advocacy and gender equity, she is passionate about aligning local leadership with global development goals.
Regional Representative – Africa
Demian Vusimusi Mukansi- South Africa
Demian Vusimusi Mukansi is a passionate Agricultural Engineer, researcher, and national student leader, currently pursuing his PhD in Agricultural Engineering at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). Known for his ability to bridge academia, community development, and student activism, Demian has built a reputation as a problem-solver, organiser, and advocate for youth empowerment.
Ibrahim Abdullahi- Nigeria
Ibrahim Abdullahi holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree with a specialisation in Anesthesia. He is an experienced student leader with a strong record of service and representation and is passionate about empowering African students, fostering collaboration, and promoting initiatives that advance education, cultural exchange, and youth development across the Commonwealth.
Donna Dawina Gamatham- Namibia
Ms. Gamatham is a dedicated and results-driven youth leader, currently serving as the Regional Coordinator for Southern Africa of the Young African Leaders Forum (YALF) and the Deputy Secretary General responsible for recruitment, mobilization and special programs of the Namibia National Students Organisation (NANSO).
Honolina Lyimo- Tanzania
Honolina Lyimo is a passionate youth leader, tech enthusiast, and STEM advocate from Moshi, Kilimanjaro, currently based in Kigamboni, Dar es Salaam. As a final-year engineering student, she serves in various leadership roles including Chairperson of the Institute of Engineering Tanzania (IET) Student Chapter, UNDP Student Ambassador, and Executive Director of the Tanzania Tech Forum.
Regional Representative – Asia
Kezia Chettri- India
Kezia Chettri is a National Youth Parliamentarian who has represented Sikkim at the Central Hall of the Indian Parliament and contributed to youth-led policy discussions on national platforms.
Pranav Karthikeyan- India
Pranav Karthikeyan is a speaker at SCOPA 2020 under the UNFCCC. As the founding president of his school’s Interact Club, he has led 30+ service projects, raising over ₹2.5 million and has been recognised as Best President across 50+ clubs.
Palakh Khanna- India
Palakh Khanna is a 22-year-old Youth Changemaker, 3x TEDx speaker and content creator from New Delhi, India. Recognized as one of Asia’s 100 Women Power Leaders for 2023, she is also BusinessWorld Wellbeing’s 30 Under 30 (2023). An advocate for youth empowerment, leadership, and action, she has been featured twice on Times Square, New York.
Kainat Rasheed- Pakistan
Kainat Rasheed is the Vice-chairperson of Youth Organization Pakistan (YOP). She has worked alongside passionate changemakers, advocating for Sustainable Development Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.
Mayank Singh Negi- India
Mayank Singh Negi is a dedicated and dynamic leader with extensive experience in community engagement and social impact initiative. He is passionate about empowering youth and romosting sustainable development.
Alex Wen Jie Lew- Singapore
For over a decade, Alex Lew has distinguished himself as a fervent advocate for migrant rights in Singapore. In his current role as Survey Executive at the Ministry of Manpower, he continues his dedication to humanitarian work, focusing on improving the lives and perceptions of migrant workers in his home country.
Regional Representative – Caribbean
Ashley Longford- Belize
Ashley Longford From Belize served as President of the National Student Union of Belize (NSUB) from 2022 to 2024, the national umbrella body representing tertiary students in Belize. During her tenure, she led the significant advocacy initiative of calling for the accreditation of the University of Belize and other colleges nationwide. This work contributed directly to the Ministry of Education’s National Accreditation Launch in August 2024, which now sets a framework for ensuring higher education quality in Belize.
Regional Representative – Pacific
Bryan Pokiton- Papua New Guinea
Bryan Chan Pokiton is a dynamic economist and passionate youth advocate from Papua New Guinea, dedicated to bridging gaps in inclusive development, education equity, and climate justice across the Pacific. With a Bachelor’s in Economics & Development Studies and certifications in trade finance, digital marketing, and strategic management, Bryan combines analytical rigor with grassroots activism to drive sustainable change
Representative- Special Interest Groups
Muhammad Nouman- Pakistan
Muhammad Nouman is a dedicated lawyer who focuses on social justice, youth empowerment, and disability rights.
Naveen Shriram Aathavan- India
Naveen Shriram Aathavan has represented India at the Commonwealth Youth Exchange Program in Malaysia and Singapore. In this role, he has engaged in policy dialogues with ministers, youth councils, and chambers of commerce. Through Studomatrix, in collaboration with the Commonwealth Students Association, Naveen Shriram Aathavan has served as a convener, championing accessible education.
Sanskriti Singh Rawat- India
Originating from Jamui, a rural district in India marked by conflict and officially classified as underdeveloped, Sanskriti Singh Rawat’s has navigated the intertwined challenges of economic hardship, gender-based marginalisation, and limited access to quality education.
For more details on each candidate, visit : https://www.mi-vote.com/secure/csa
