The primary for Massell Quad Senator was held three times before the final round last Tuesdaydue to complications, according to Elections Commissioner Albert Cahn '07.Cahn said the first primary, held on Sept. 23, was invalidated because of a technical error that excluded a candidate from the online ballot. He said a new round began approximately two hours later, but that round was also stopped because another technical glitch prevented an e-mail from reaching residents and notifying them of the new round.

Another primary was held on Sept. 26, and Cahn said this election ran without any problems. The final round was held two days later and also ran without incident.

Cahn said the complications would not have occurred had the instant run-off voting amendment been passed last spring to allow voters to rank candidates on a scale, thus eliminating the need for re-run elections and subsequent rounds.

"I am a supporter of the instant run-off system," Cahn said. "But given that it would require a constitutional amendment, I supported making changes through the Union by-laws as an interim solution [at a] senate meeting prior to the foul-ups in this election."

Massell Quad Senator Jonathan D'Oleo '08, who was sworn in Sunday, said the election was frustrating because it added tension to the process.

"What most surprised me was the people's eagerness to exercise their right to vote in spite of the difficulties," he said.

But D'Oleo said he was happy he decided to run. He said the process allowed him to meet people and understand their needs, expectations and concerns.

"Unless students have confidence in their elected officials and the manner in which they were elected, then our entire democratic system comes into jeopardy," Cahn said.