DUSU Polls 2024-25: The Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections are just around the corner, with students gearing up to cast their votes and participate in shaping the leadership of one of the most prestigious student unions in the country. For 1st year students who have not yet received their identity cards, special provisions have been made to ensure they can still exercise their right to vote.Here’s everything you need to know about how the DUSU polls work and how 1st year students without an ID can participate.
Election Dates and Counting Details
The DUSU elections for the 2024-25 academic session are scheduled to take place on 27th September 2024, across various colleges and departments of Delhi University. This election will determine the new president, vice president, secretary, and joint secretary of the student union. The election results will be announced a day after, with the counting of votes taking place on 28th September 2024 at the Conference Centre, opposite the Botany Department in North Campus, from 8:00 AM onwards.
Campaign Period and Contesting Candidates
The election campaign officially ended at 8:00 AM on 26th September 2024. All campaigning activities, including canvassing by candidates and their supporters, were discontinued as per the code of conduct established by the election commission.
This year, a total of 21 candidates are contesting across the four central panel positions. Below is a table showing the key candidates in the fray:
Chief Election Officer and Eligibility Criteria
Professor Satyapal Singh, the Chief Election Officer for DUSU 2024-25, has announced that only students who were admitted to Delhi University by 25th September 2024 (5:00 PM) are eligible to vote in the elections. This cut-off ensures that only legitimate and registered students of the university participate in the election process.
How 1st Year Students Without an ID Can Vote
For 1st year students who have not yet been issued an official identity card, the university has allowed an alternative method to cast their votes. These students can still participate in the elections by presenting a duly verified fee receipt as proof of their student status, along with one of the following government-issued identification documents:
• Voter Identity Card
• Aadhar Card
• PAN Card
• Driving Licence
This provision ensures that new students are not disenfranchised, despite potential administrative delays in receiving their ID cards.
Voting Procedure for 2nd and 3rd Year Students
Unlike 1st year students, those in their 2nd and 3rd years are required to show their valid Delhi University identity card in order to vote. No alternative documents will be accepted for senior students, emphasising the importance of carrying their student IDs on election day.
Compliance and Observers
To ensure fair and transparent elections, over 50 election observers have been appointed by the Office of the Chief Election Officer. These observers will visit all 52 colleges and departments to monitor compliance with the Lyngdoh Committee recommendations, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) orders, and the Delhi Prevention of Defacement of Property Act 2007. The observers will also ensure that all candidates and their supporters follow the established code of conduct, which includes stopping all canvassing activities by 26th September 2024.
With voting set to take place tomorrow, the 2024-25 DUSU elections are shaping up to be a crucial moment for student leadership at Delhi University. First-year students without ID cards should ensure they have their verified fee receipts and government-issued identification ready, while senior students must carry their university ID cards. Whether you’re a newcomer or a senior, make sure you’re fully prepared to cast your vote and contribute to this important event in shaping the future of the student union.