Desk Report,
12 proposals with manual vote counting by two panels
The Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (RACSU) elections have seen 12 proposals from the panel nominated by ‘RACSU for Radical Change’ and Chhatra Dal, including manual counting of votes and updating of voter lists with photographs within 24 hours. The candidates of the two panels presented these proposals at a press conference at the university’s Paribahan Market on Saturday.
12 proposals with manual vote counting by two panels
The 12-point proposal was raised by the President of the Students’ Rights Council and Vice President (VP) candidate of the RAKSSU for Radical Change panel, Mehdi Maruf, at the press conference.
Their other demands are provision of high-quality indelible ink on voters’ fingers; provision of transparent ballot boxes; fixed election expenses for candidates; fixed number of posters for all panels or candidates; ensuring the presence of agents until the printing, binding and numbering of election ballots; provision of sufficient number of booths; publication of voter numbers on digital boards during voting; effective cyber bullying cell and ballot lists should not be handed over to voters on polling day.
In a written statement at the press conference, Chhatra Dal nominated panel Vice President (VP) candidate Sheikh Nur Uddin Arir said, “As much as there is excitement among students about the Raksu elections, there are also some apprehensions. The weakness of the Election Commission has also been revealed since the schedule was announced. This weakness of the Election Commission is pushing us towards uncertainty. Questions have already been raised among various panels about the impartiality of the Election Commission.”
Sheikh Nur Uddin, alleging that Chhatra Shibir was given extra benefits in the Raksu elections, said, “Since the schedule was announced, Chhatra Shibir has not paid the slightest attention to any code of conduct. They are trying to influence students through various incentives including distributing perfume among students, installing water tanks, and holding parties. As a result, the policy of “whoever has the money, gets the vote” is being introduced. This is a clear violation of the code of conduct.”
Sheikh Nur Uddin also said, “Although we have complained many times from our place, the administration has not taken any action. If this continues, it will not be possible to organize a fair and impartial Raksu election. Apart from this, Chhatra Shibir has been given additional facilities in providing ballot numbers. We want the long-awaited Raksu election not to be tarnished in any way. We want a free, fair and acceptable election.
