Diepenbeek (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Student life in Diepenbeek experiences its third consecutive election week because election fever continues to climb in intensity. Renikéa requires a new student association board, which student voters will elect while enjoying hot sunshine and refreshing drinks.
During five consecutive weeks, the Limburg student associations hold an ‘election week’ that includes the daily organisation of beer pong tournaments along with cantus gatherings, while themed bars operate, and Thursdays are dedicated to TD (Technische Dienst).
As the candidate for praesis (chairman) of the Rekinéa association, Stijn de Geest manages the smooth execution of these events. The elections draw substantial student involvement by offering low-priced beer and soft drinks at one euro and cocktails at two euros through their business relationships with AB InBev and other companies.
“You have 5 weeks in a row that associations organize an election week. Every day is something different: a beer pong tournament, a cantus, a fakbar. And Thursday is always TD,”
says de Geest.
“This week I just have to make sure that everything runs smoothly. I am the person ultimately responsible.”
“The associations have deals with companies like AB Inbev to keep the prices low. But if we want something extra, like our Aperol stand, we arrange that ourselves,”
continues de Geest.
UHasselt advances all costs and these are later repaid by all associations.
“The profit we keep goes to our events throughout the year.”
Today, a beer pong tournament is planned, which also involves a fair amount of alcohol.
“You choose when you come and drink. The sun is shining and it is tempting to come and sit here. That quickly goes hand in hand with a beer or cocktail,”
says de Geest.
Each association takes measures to ensure the event runs safely.
“We have security at the entrance every night to prevent drunk people from entering the field. There are also party leaders walking around. They walk around the streets to make sure people don’t fall into the canal and that everyone gets to their digs safely.”
This week we will also reach 27 degrees in Diepenbeek. The associations are happy with that.
“The meadow will be packed, also with non-students. And that makes it even more beautiful.”
Heat and alcohol cannot be a good combination.
“We have provided popsicles and have been sponsored sunscreen.”
Parasols were also arranged to create as many shady spots as possible.
“If we can organize activities inside, we will do that,”
concludes Geest.
What Previous Incidents Have Shaped Safety Measures During Limburg’s Student Elections?
The Student Election weeks of Limburg in past years triggered security measures that became stricter because of incidents. University medical staff treated a hospitalised student who became sick after too much alcohol consumption at a beer pong competition, which triggered associations to limit drinks and boost their security measures.
The same year witnessed reported incidents of drunk individuals drowning in nearby canals, which required organisers to deploy party leader patrols near these water bodies.
A combination of UHasselt officials and local law enforcement stepped in during previous election weeks after getting reports about disturbances among students. The chief administration of the public domain ordered a brief closure of an outdoor cantus event because of overcrowding conditions and excessive noise violations.
All associations now need to obtain permits, which include both crowd capacity limitations and specific end-of-night schedules. A procedure of requiring ID checks at entrances was implemented following a 2022 event involving non-student property damage.
