Ensure DUCSU polls’ integrity
With just a day left for the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) election, the university authorities must promptly address all valid concerns raised by the candidates. Some of the participating panels are reportedly worried about the number of booths and the locations of polling stations. Currently, there are 810 booths in eight centres for nearly 40,000 voters, spread across the DU campus. Polling booths for several halls are located within each centre. Since each voter must cast 41 votes, many student parties anticipate long queues. They are concerned that voters may not have enough time to cast their votes, potentially discouraging others from voting.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. 
However, in a notice on Saturday, the chief returning officer stated that the current set-up should allow each voter, on average, 10 minutes to vote. Meanwhile, some candidates also alleged that the location of polling centres might discourage many female voters and non-residential students from voting. Although the DU authorities have increased the number of booths three times since then and relocated polling centres of some female residential halls, certain issues still remain unaddressed. Besides, the authorities have yet to respond to the University Teachers' Network's demand to extend voting hours from 4pm to 5pm. The platform also alleged that it did not receive any clear response from the university authorities about the selection of polling officers. In addition to these concerns, two recent surveys conducted on the DUCSU polls have given rise to controversy. Some are questioning the neutrality of these surveys, alleging that they were conducted to influence voters to cast their ballots for a particular panel. Meanwhile, there is also the allegation of a plot to discourage female voters, considering their expected influence in this round of DUCSU election.
These allegations, if not addressed properly, would be a blow to the prospects that a DUCSU election holds in post-uprising Bangladesh. The union and its officeholders have historically influenced national politics. With this year's election taking place just a few months before the scheduled parliamentary election, it carries additional significance. Many are drawing comparisons between the DUCSU election and the national election, as student wings of national political parties and independent candidates are all participating. This makes it crucial to ensure that this election is free, fair, and transparent. We urge the DU authorities to leave no room for doubt about the election's integrity. All candidates must have confidence that the authorities will carry out their duties impartially, to encourage maximum voter participation in an intimidation-free environment. The election must serve as an exemplary democratic process for the nation and must return DUCSU to the students.
Comments