JnUCSU Election: Voting Begins Amid Festive Mood and High Turnout

Voting for the Jagannath University Central Students' Union (JnUCSU) and Hall Union elections commenced today, Tuesday (6 January), with polls open from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Students started arriving on campus from 7:30 am to cast their ballots. By 8:30 am, queues began forming at the polling centres. As 9:00 am approached, the centres were overflowing with enthusiastic voters, creating long lines.

The JnUCSU election has sparked a festival-like atmosphere among students. No one appeared irritated while waiting to vote. Many reunited with classmates after the break, hugging and cheering. Groups were seen taking selfies. Some female students even arrived in traditional saris to exercise their franchise.

According to the Election Commission, the total number of voters for the JnUCSU election is 16,445, including 8,479 female voters and 8,170 male voters. A total of 187 candidates are contesting 34 seats across the Central Union (21 seats) and Hall Unions (13 seats). Voting will take place at 39 centres with 178 booths.

Four panels are competing in the Central Union: ‘Adomya Jabyan Aikya’ backed by Islami Chhatra Shibir, ‘Aikya Badha Nirbhik Jabyan’ supported by Chhatra Dal and Chhatra Adhikar, ‘Aikya Badha Jabyan’ backed by Chhatra Shakti, and ‘Moulana Bhasani Brigade’ supported by Socialist Students’ Front. Three panels are contesting the Hall Union: ‘Adomya Jabyan’, ‘Aporajitar Agrayatra’, and ‘Rokeya Parishad’.

The Commission has designated 38 centres for the Central Union and 1 for the Hall Union. One booth has been allocated for every 100 students. CCTV cameras have been installed at each centre, and the entire vote counting process will be live-streamed after polling ends. Only voters, teachers, and specially authorised individuals will be allowed entry to the centres, with ID cards mandatory.

Enhanced Security Measures

The university administration has implemented strict security arrangements for the election. Police, RAB, BGB, and army personnel have been deployed on campus. Intelligence officials are also present. Special security guidelines state that voter students must enter through Gate 1 and exit through Gates 2 and 3 after voting. Staff and employees must use Gate 2, with ID display compulsory.

Chief Election Commissioner and University Proctor office officials said all measures have been taken to ensure a smooth and peaceful election. Election Commissioner Professor Dr Kaniz Fatema Kakli said: “We are prepared to complete voting and result publication by the end of today. After a long wait and uncertainty, today’s vote will determine the first JnUCSU leadership.”

Election Postponement Background

The election was postponed in an emergency syndicate meeting on the morning of 30 December, just before it was due to start, following the death of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. The next day, amid student protests, a new date was announced. The Jagannath University Central Students' Union and Hall Union elections had already been postponed twice before, with the revised date set for today.