Masters student Francisco Hernandez was elected as next year's Otago OUSA president after a closely fought battle with the brother of incumbent president Logan Edgar.
In last week's vote, Mr Hernandez picked up 1163 votes - 32% of the total - followed by Ryan Edgar (965) and Zac Gawn (842).
Mr Hernandez, who will take up the role on January 1 next year, said he was "excited about the challenge".
He credited his victory to voters responding well to his policy platform, which included OUSA providing more services to students, opposing the proposed North Dunedin liquor ban and improving the quality of student flats, and running a "really hard" campaign.
"I was operating on three hours of sleep each night and hope and adrenaline. I'd come in at 5am and start chalking and then go home at like 1am," he said.
Mr Hernandez was 12 when his family shifted to New Zealand to escape political persecution, his father being blacklisted for being part of the deposed party of president Joseph Estrada.
After he and his family shifted to New Zealand, his brother battled illness. He was "well looked after" until he died.
"That made me realise that politics actually matters to people," he said.
He believed student politicians were able to make a "huge difference" with their decisions having a "ripple effect", which could be felt across the country.
In other OUSA election results, Kamil Saifuddin was elected international officer, Ruby Ann Sycamore-Smith campaigns officer, Blake Luff recreation officer, Pippa Benson colleges officer, Zac Gawn administrative vice-president and Lucy Gaudin finance and services officer
Mr Hernandez also won the welfare officer's role uncontested, but as rules prevent any elected member from holding dual roles, there would need to be a by-election for that position, along with the postgraduate students officer role, which attracted no candidates.
All of the referendums running as part of the election, including whether OUSA should oppose the sale of the electricity companies and support same-sex marriage, were passed.
