Two panels, Chhatra Dal and RUCSU for Radical Change, have raised concerns over the neutrality and acceptability of the upcoming Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (RUCSU) election.
They presented a 12-point proposal during a joint press conference on Saturday, calling for a transparent and credible election process.
The panels accused Islami Chhatra Shibir of violating election rules since the announcement of the schedule, alleging that the organization has been distributing items such as perfume and food to students in university halls.
They also claimed that Shibir was given undue advantages, including preferential ballot numbers.
The speakers referred to these actions as violations of the code of conduct and raised concerns about the lack of impartiality in the Election Commission’s handling of the election.
Highlighting that this would be the first RUCSU election in 35 years, the speakers stressed the importance of ensuring that the election is not tainted. “We want a free, fair, and participatory election for RUCSU,” they said.
The Chhatra Dal and RUCSU for Radical Change panels, along with other coordinated panels, outlined their 12-point demands.
These include the use of transparent ballot boxes, with journalists and agents present at the centres before voting begins; the application of indelible ink on voters’ fingers; the publication of a voter list with photographs within one day; and manual vote counting.
They also called for limiting election expenses and the number of posters, ensuring agent presence during ballot printing and binding, and providing sufficient voting booths.
The panels demanded the display of voter numbers on digital boards, the establishment of an effective cyber-bullying prevention cell, and the closure of misleading university-related pages and groups.
Additionally, they insisted that voter lists should not be distributed on the day of voting.
The panels also called for measures to prevent manipulation and ensure a level playing field, aiming to preserve the integrity of the election process.
