<![CDATA[Student elections may follow formal procedures while substantive competition is perceived as being shaped by organizational affiliation, senior networks, and unequal opportunities for deliberation. This qualitative single-case study examines this tension at the Faculty of Ushuluddin and Islamic Studies, UIN Sumatera Utara, through the Islamic political-ethical principles of musyawarah, al-'adl, amanah, and ukhuwah. Data were collected on 18–20 May 2026 through semi-structured interviews with six informants, observations of SEMAF and DEMAF election processes, and reviews of relevant organizational and electoral documents. Thematic analysis identified three patterns: affiliation networks were perceived to influence organizational choices and electoral support; limited cross-group communication was associated with personalized tension; and participants expected more transparent, equal, and accountable procedures. The findings do not establish electoral invalidity, coercion, preferential treatment, or abuse of power. Islamic political ethics is therefore used as an interpretive framework for a proposed governance pilot rather than as an intervention whose effectiveness has been tested. The study offers a context-specific diagnostic and practical agenda involving transparent rules, equal access to candidate forums, conflict-of-interest disclosure, neutral grievance mechanisms, and cross-group dialogue with measurable process indicators.]]>
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