JNU Students Union Elections Conclude with 70% Voter Turnout and Results Due April 28

The Jawaharlal Nehru University recently concluded its 2024-25 Students Union elections, witnessing a voter turnout of approximately 70%. The JNU Students Union Election Committee reported that over 69.6% of eligible students participated, slightly lower than the 73% turnout in 2023. Despite this, it remains the highest turnout since the 2012-13 academic year.

Polling took place across 17 centres on campus, divided into two sessions: from 9 am to 1 pm and from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm. Although voting was generally peaceful, some delays were noted, particularly at the School of Language centre. Here, polling began at 11 am due to missing names on the ballot paper. Other centres experienced delays of about half an hour.

Student Concerns and Delays

Students gathered early at the booths but faced disappointment due to delays, exacerbated by rising temperatures. Consequently, voting extended until 8 pm at some locations. Four centres were established in the School of Language, School of Social Sciences 1 and 2, and the School of International Studies.

Some students with disabilities expressed dissatisfaction with the arrangements, citing longer times needed to cast their votes. First-year students also voiced concerns about pending hostel allotments and inadequate facilities. A first-year student from the Chinese Language department mentioned a lack of library facilities and hostel allotment since joining last September.

Manifesto Issues and Student Representation

Recurring issues in manifestos were a point of contention for many students. PhD student Satyam remarked, "For the last four years, I have seen the same issues in the manifestos of the left groups. They come to power but do not resolve them and this year too they have the same problems listed in their manifestos."

Northeast students rallied behind their candidate Yari for general secretary, citing neglect by mainstream groups. A supporter stated, "We are contesting ourselves because no other group listens to our problems. Like, we are not being provided northeast food in the mess even after many requests."

Election Dynamics and Alliances

This year's elections saw significant shifts in alliances. The United Left faction split, with AISA partnering with DSF, while SFI joined forces with BAPSA, AISF, and PSA to form a new bloc. The ABVP fielded a full panel including Shikha Swaraj for president and Nittu Goutham for vice-president.

The AISA-DSF alliance nominated Nitish Kumar for president and Manisha for vice-president. Meanwhile, the SFI-BAPSA-AISF-PSA bloc put forward Choudhary Tayyaba Ahmed for president and Santosh Kumar for vice-president. In total, 29 candidates vied for central panel positions.

Counting and Results

Around 200 candidates contested for 42 counsellor posts. Vote counting began late Friday night, with results for counsellor posts expected first. Final results are anticipated on Monday, April 28.

The campus buzzed with student democracy as supporters held processions with drums and slogans. Candidates moved between centres urging students to vote. Despite a charged atmosphere, no clashes occurred.

With the left bloc divided, ABVP is hopeful about its prospects this year. The organisation has not secured a central panel post since 2015-16. All major groups are confident of victory; however, final results will reveal who gains control of the students union.