JnUCSU polls today after three-time deferral

The Jagannath University Central Students' Union (JnUCSU) polls are scheduled to be held today after the date was deferred three times.

However, voter turnout remains a major challenge as the majority of the university’s students are non-residential.

According to students, repeated postponements of the election have somewhat dampened enthusiasm. To boost voter turnout the contesting panels are trying to engage voters and create a festive election atmosphere.

The university’s Election Commission has also taken steps to ensure a significant voter turnout and a festive polling environment. Sadia Sultana, a third-year student of the university, said that the main challenge is bringing voters to the polling centres, as most students live far from campus. “I hope students will come to vote and make it festive,” she said.

Al Maruf, a fourth-year student of the university, said that they were very excited earlier as they were ready to cast their first votes in life. “The repeated postponements have somewhat decreased our enthusiasm. However, there is still some excitement among us, and we are hopeful to vote this time,” he added.

Meanwhile, to make the polls festive and fair, the university authorities have strengthened security measures across the campus and surrounding areas. They have also arranged day-long bus services on multiple routes to ensure voters’ presence on campus.

JnUCSU Election Commissioner Prof Dr Kaniz Fatema Kakolee said that voting and result publication would be completed within the same day. After months of uncertainty, Tuesday’s polls will determine the first elected leadership of Jagannath University’s student union.

“We are hopeful about students’ participation,” she added. According to the Election Commission, a total of 16,445 students are eligible to cast votes, including 8,479 female and 8,170 male voters. The polls feature 187 candidates contesting for 21 posts in the central union and 13 posts in the hall union elections.

Four panels, along with several independent candidates, are participating in the polls. Those are – Chhatra Dal-backed Oikkoboddho Nirbhik Jobian, Chhatra Shibir-backed Odommo Jobian Oikko, Chhatra Shakti-backed Oikkoboddho Jobian, and the left-leaning parties-backed Maulana Bhashani Brigade.

Voting will be held across 178 polling booths in 39 centres, starting at 8:30am and continuing until 3pm. After the voting ends, ballots will be counted electronically to ensure the smooth conduct of the polls.