Instances of mismanagement and rigging have put JUCSU poll into question

The casting of votes in the Jahangirnagar University Central Students' Union (JUCSU) and Hall Parliament elections has ended and vote counting is underway. Four panels of progressive students have boycotted the elections, alleging widespread irregularities. Meanwhile, JU unit Chhatra Dal has also boycotted the elections, alleging rigging and brought out protest march. In view of this situation, Views Bangladesh's JU correspondent spoke to JUCSU election observer teacher Rayhan Rhyne.

Views Bangladesh: How was the JUCSU election overall?

Raihan Rhyne: Not as per expectations. Many irregularities, many instances of mismanagement and rigging have raised question about the elections. For these reasons, candidates from some panels have also boycotted the polls.

Views Bangladesh: Chhatra Dal has boycotted the elections, what do you think on this issue? Will this election be acceptable after all these allegations?

Raihan Rhyne: Some panels including Chhatra Dal, Sampriti Oikya and Sanshasaptak have boycotted the elections. The reasons are very clear. Initially, no polling agents were arranged by the candidates in the elections. This was accepted on the night before the elections due to the students' demands. In many places, voting began without polling agents.

Although agents were allowed to enter later, they were not allowed to keep lists. Ink was not used as proof of voting in many booths. As a result, chances for casting fake vote were created. For these reasons, allegations of vote rigging have been raised and some evidence has also been found.

With candidates from so many panels boycotting the elections, this election will not be acceptable at all. The administration should postpone vote counting and create an atmosphere of trust and hold an acceptable election in a sound system with the participation of all.

Views Bangladesh: There have been allegations that the university administration has printed ballot papers and OMR forms from Jamaat-e-Islami's printing press to give advantages to candidates supported by Chhatra Shibir. What is your observation?

Raihan Rhyne: Many have brought the allegations. Many have feared vote rigging for OMR machines's software. In this case, the administration should have printed the ballots from a neutral printing press, so that an atmosphere of distrust is not created.

Views Bangladesh: This elections are being held after a long time. Will there be a guarantee of holding regular elections from now on?

Raihan Rhyne: An uncertainty has been created. The administration could have removed this uncertainty through proper management. But they have shown bias from the beginning. The candidacy of the vice-president aspirant of the Sampriti Oikya Panel has been canceled in a very unfair manner.

Views Bangladesh: What kind of impact will the process in which the election was held have on the political culture of the university?

Raihan Rhyne: A bad example has been created. It may have a negative impact on the political culture of the university.

Zahir Raihan also known by the pen name Raihan Rhyne is a Professor of Jahangirnagar University's Philosophy Department. He is known for his poetry, fiction, and his activism, including protests against the filling of a lake on the university campus.