Outgoing Undergraduate Council Chair Michael P. Beys '94 has unexpectedly opted not to seek re-election to the council's highest post this Sunday.

Beys said his decision was based on "positive, rather than negative considerations," despite several controversies that plagued his term, including recent charges of conflict of interest surrounding his involvement with last week's general council election.

Beys' withdrawal leaves only three candidates for president--the new name for the council's top position--remaining in the race: outgoing Treasurer Carey W. Gabay '94, Mark D. McKay '94, and Melissa Garza '94. The three will face off in a Crimson-sponsored debate tomorrow night.

"It's time for someone else to take over the reins," Beys said in an interview yesterday. "I've been thinking about this for a long time, but now I'm ruling out the possibility that I will run for another term."

Garza and McKay said Beys' withdrawal will affect the dynamics of the upcoming presidential race. Both predicted that Gabay will draw most of the votes Beys would have garnered if he remained a candidate.

"Last year Mike Beys, Randy Fine and Carey Gabay ran in a tight pack, and most people who like one like them all," McKay said.

Garza concurred that "the old leadership is reflected in Carey Gabay" but added that Beys' decision allows the council to strive for "a fresh beginning under new leadership."

Gabay could not be reached for comment yesterday.

Beys attributed his decision not to run to a sense of satisfaction in the turns taken by the council in recent years.

"We've come a long way in terms of behavioral and attitudinal changes in the last three years," he said. "I feel like my job is over."

Beys said his term as council chair resulted in a "more active, rather than deliberative council."

Responding to charges that his administrationwas one of back room deals and politicalmachinations rather than full-council negotiationsand assuagement of members' concerns, Beys lashedout at his critics.

"Politics is politics, and people makefriendships and alliances based on getting ahead,"he said.

He added that his opponents on the council area small minority of the representatives.

"There is a limit to the amount of time you cantake up dealing with the issues just a few peopleinsist on raising," he said.

He described his management style as one ofactivity and efficiency. But he said that he didtry to build a coalition in his early days ascouncil chair.