Stage set for DUSU polls, 73 candidates file nominations for 4 key posts

The nomination process for the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections concluded on Wednesday with a large number of candidates filing their papers for the four key posts. The last date for the withdrawal of nominations is September 11 (Thursday).

Candidates can withdraw their nominations by 12 noon tomorrow and the final list of candidates will be published by 5 pm. Polling for the high-stakes student body elections will take place on September 18 and the counting of votes will be held on September 19.

This year, 21 candidates have filed nominations for the post of president, 15 for vice-president, 20 for secretary and 17 for joint secretary.

Among the main student outfits, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) has fielded six candidates, National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) seven and All-India Students’ Association (AISA) and Students’ Federation of India (SFI) alliance four. Independent candidates have also entered the contest. The estimated voter strength for the upcoming election is between 2.8 lakh and 3 lakh, making DUSU polls one of the largest student elections in the country.

The day was also marked by traffic restrictions in and around Delhi University’s North Campus where the nomination process was held. According to a Delhi Police advisory, traffic was regulated between 1 pm and 5 pm on several key stretches, including Chhatra Marg, Sudhir Bose Marg, Guru Teg Bahadur Marg, Satyawati Marg and Prof ND Kapoor Marg. Diversions were put in place at important intersections such as St Stephen’s College red light, Kranti Chowk, Patel Chest and Mall Road. Commuters were advised to avoid the affected stretches during restricted hours and refrain from roadside parking to ensure smooth flow of vehicles.

“The nomination process at Delhi University concluded smoothly today, with all arrangements running in an orderly and transparent manner. We are committed to ensuring a free, fair and peaceful election process,” said Prof Raj Kishor Sharma, Chief Election Officer, DU.