The nomination for country’s most prominent student polls, the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections close today (Sep 10). After scrutiny of contestants, their names will be published by today itself an. Sep 11 is the date for withdrawal as well as final list display. Voting for central posts will take place on September 18; while counting and result declaration are scheduled for September 19, according to the university’s notification.
As per the election schedule, electronic voting machines (EVMs) will be deployed for the central DUSU posts, while college-level councillor elections may be conducted using paper ballots. The notification has also outlined voter-list deadlines and identification requirements for candidates and supporters.
This year’s elections are the first to be held under the revised eligibility norms linked to the National Education Policy (NEP). The new provisions allow third-year students to contest for the posts of vice-president and joint secretary. Officials and analysts have suggested that this change could increase the voter base by up to 40 per cent, potentially altering the dynamics of the contest.
The electoral contest is once again expected to be dominated by the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), affiliated with the Congress, and the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), linked to the BJP. Left-backed student groups and independents are also in the fray, particularly at the college council level.
In the 2024 elections, NSUI secured the president’s post, while ABVP won the vice-president and secretary positions, reflecting the competitive balance between the two organisations.
The university has reiterated that strict campaign rules will be enforced this year. Entry of outsiders has been restricted, and supporters are required to carry proper identification while canvassing. The administration has further cautioned that candidates may face cancellation of nominations if their campaigners are found engaging in violence, bribery or property damage.
The Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) has scrapped the mandatory ₹1 lakh bond for candidates to contest the polls, following a challenge in the Delhi High Court. The university had initially required candidates to pay this amount as a security to cover any damage or defacement caused by them or their supporters during the elections.
Low turnout remains a persistent challenge for DUSU polls. Over the past decade, voting percentages have often fallen below 45 per cent, with some years witnessing participation of less than 30 per cent. Analysts attribute this trend to student apathy, absentee outstation voters, safety concerns, and dissatisfaction with the performance of elected representatives.
With nominations closed, campaigning is expected to intensify across the North and South Campus in the coming week, as students prepare to cast their votes in a contest that has traditionally reflected broader political trends beyond the university.
