The former National Security Agency contractor leaked documents disclosing details of US spies' surveillance of the Internet and telephone communications. Variously hailed as a hero and condemned as a traitor, he has been granted asylum in Russia.
Glasgow students say they contacted Snowden through his lawyers and he agreed to run. Ph.D. Student Chris Cassells said they wanted to support Snowden and send a message opposing "the intrusive practices of state security."
The university said today that the candidates are Snowden, cyclist Graeme Obree, writer Alan Bissett and Kelvin Holdsworth, the provost of St. Mary's Cathedral in Glasgow. Voting takes place Feb. 17 and 18.
Given that Britain has an extradition treaty with the United States, where Showden is wanted on criminal charges, it is most unlikely that he would want to come.