JnUCSU and Hall Union Election Tomorrow, Voting in 178 Booths
The first-ever Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JnUCSU) and hall union election since the university’s establishment will take place tomorrow Tuesday (30 December). Students are highly enthusiastic as they get the opportunity to elect their representatives for the first time in two decades since the institution became a university. Student organisations including Chhatra Dal, Chhatra Shibir, Chhatra Shakti, and left-leaning alliances have prepared to turn the entire election into a festive event.
Despite allegations of code of conduct violations, the Election Commission has assured a neutral and fair election. Alongside this, the administration has taken extensive preparations and strict security measures to ensure the election is peaceful and orderly. The campus has been covered under tight security arrangements since two days ago.
The last student union election at the then Jagannath College was held in 1987. After the college was upgraded to a university in 2005, this will be the first student parliament election in 38 years.
According to the commission, voting will take place in a total of 39 centres with 178 booths. Polling will run from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm on Tuesday (30 December). The Election Commission has already started setting up the booths and published the list of centres and booths on Sunday (28 December) afternoon.
Commission sources said 38 centres have been designated for the central union and one for the hall unions. There will be one voting booth for every 100 students. Votes will be counted through machines after polling ends. Regarding security, Chief Election Commissioner Professor Dr Mostofa Hasan said discussions have been held with the Ministry of Home Affairs, local police administration, and the university proctor’s office. He expressed confidence that the election will be completed peacefully and fairly.
On entry to polling centres on election day, the chief election commissioner said: “Only authorised persons, voters, teachers, and individuals specifically permitted for election duty will be allowed inside the centres. Carrying the designated identity card is mandatory. Detailed information on collecting identity cards will be notified on the university website.”
University administration sources said polling centres have been fully prepared. Voting will take place in 178 booths across 39 centres. Ballot papers and necessary materials have been finalised. Sufficient members of law enforcement agencies will be deployed at each centre during polling. Mobile teams will also remain on duty round the clock.
At a Glance: JnUCSU Election (According to commission data)
- Total voters: 16,445
- Female voters: 8,479
- Male voters: 8,170
- Total candidates (central and hall unions combined): 187
- Total panels: 4 (Chhatra Dal, Chhatra Shibir, Chhatra Shakti, and Socialist Students’ Front)
- Vice-President (VP) candidates: 9
- General Secretary (GS) candidates: 9
- Assistant General Secretary candidates: 8
The election is scheduled for Tuesday (30 December) from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
