Yeasir Md Fahad: Jagannath University Central Students Union (JnUCSU) election date sparked intense debate among voters, student organisations, and candidates. While some are demanding a deferral of the poll date, others insist the election must proceed on the pre-determined schedule.
Jagannath University is poised to hold its first-ever student union (JnUCSU) Election since its establishment as a full-fledged university, with the date set for November 27.
The JnUCSU policies were passed on October 27, publicly disclosed on October 28, and the election commission was formed on October 29. Notably, the election commission only held an exchange of views with student organisations on November 2. However, the election commission is yet to consult with key stakeholders, including university teachers, officials, and representatives from social and cultural organisations.
Many student organisations and prospective candidates are challenging the rationale behind scheduling the JnUCSU election for November 27, seeing the 24-day timeframe as utterly unreasonable.
Students are demanding that the election commission extend the timeline, providing candidates with a reasonable period to campaign. They highlight that the proposed election dates clash with many departments’ semester final examinations, which they fear will dampen participation. The students are advocating for a truly "festive atmosphere" for the polls, stressing that a more acceptable timetable would ensure a significantly higher voter turnout.
Accusing the university administration of giving privileges to a special group, Mehedi Hasan Hemal, convener of the university's Chhatra Dal, said, “Adequate time was given for the student union elections of other campuses. But we are noticing that the JnUCSU election commission is in a hurry to organize the elections. There is considerable doubt as to whether they have any plan to give privileges to any special group through this hurry. We want us to be given sufficient time to prepare for the elections.”
A. K. M. Rakib, President of the JnU Chhatra Odhikar Parishad, said on this matter, “Our expectation was that the election would be held on time. However, since we want a participatory election, considering the students' semester final examinations, the Election Commission can hold the election in the first week of December if it wishes. But under no circumstances should it be moved to the end of December.”
Emphasizing the election on the prescheduled election date, Md Riazul Islam, JnU Chhatra Shibir President said, “The administration itself has given us an assurance that they will implement the election. So, as the university administration has given its commitment, we do not see any justification for postponing the election. We do not want the election to be postponed or moved forward under any circumstances; rather, the election should take place at the scheduled time.”
Chief Election Commissioner Professor Dr. Mostofa Hossain said about the poll date, “There is a likelihood that the schedule will be announced on the 5th. This may be done during a press conference. The details will be made known at that time.”
