AMU Breaks 8-Year Silence: Student Union Elections Finally Return
After a long hiatus and intense student protests, Aligarh Muslim University finally conducts its AMUSU elections today.
The campus of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) is buzzing with renewed energy as it hosts the AMU student union elections today, ending a drought of eight long years. The return of the Aligarh Muslim University Students' Union (AMUSU) polls comes after a period of intense tension, including a 20-day student-led movement and a hunger strike that pressured the administration to restore the democratic process.
A Massive Turnout for Democracy
The electoral exercise is a massive undertaking, with an estimated 20,742 to 22,000 eligible voters across the campus casting their ballots. To ensure a smooth process, the university established polling centers across 13 different faculties.
The voting schedule was strictly laid out, beginning at 9:00 a.m. and concluding at 5:00 p.m., with a designated lunch break from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. to allow officials and students a brief respite.
The Battle for Leadership
The competition for the top spots is fierce, with numerous candidates vying for the chance to lead the student body. The breakdown of the contest is as follows:
- President: 9 candidates
- Vice President: 7 candidates
- Secretary: 3 candidates
- Cabinet Positions: 46 candidates
- Court Member Seats: 68 candidates
Administrative Oversight and Changes
To manage the complex process, Professor Javed Talib was appointed as the Chief Election Officer for the AMUSU polls. Simultaneously, the Women's College Student Union (WCSU) is also holding its elections, with Professor Nazia Hasan serving as its Chief Election Officer.
In a move that reflects the influence of the recent student protests, the university administration has also shaken up its leadership. Professor Nafees Ahmed Ansari from the Political Science Department has been appointed as the new proctor, taking over the role from Professor Mohammad Naved Khan in response to direct demands from the students.
Counting the Votes
The anticipation will peak this evening as the ballot counting is scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. The counting process will take place at the ABK Girls School, with the final results expected to be announced by late tonight, finally revealing who will lead the student union after nearly a decade of absence.