Ducsu polls participatory, but 'ill managed': Observers point to anomalies
Professor Samina Luthfa, speaking on behalf of the observers, highlighted a series of irregularities witnessed throughout the day.
Election observers today (9 September) lauded the students for making the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (Ducsu) polls participatory but also criticised mismanagement, saying a lack of transparency created confusion across several polling centres.
At a press briefing this evening, Dhaka University Professor Samina Luthfa, speaking on behalf of the observers, said they credit the students solely for ensuring the polls were participatory with over 78% voter count.
"Students of Dhaka University have once again proven that they can clearly carry out what they set their mind to," she told reporters.
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However, she highlighted a series of irregularities witnessed throughout the day.
"First of all, not all panels and candidates had enough polling agents. Their passes were delayed, and in many centres we found no agents at all. Compared to the number of applications submitted, very few were approved, which created an unequal situation," she said.
She added that the guidelines for verifying student IDs were not properly followed and, in some cases, students faced obstacles in casting their votes.
"In two halls, we even found pre-marked ballots. Although I heard an investigation committee has been formed, it seemed officials on duty did not perform their responsibilities with equal diligence across all centres," she noted.
Observers also questioned the process of appointing polling officers. "We repeatedly asked the election commission about the criteria for these appointments, but the process was so opaque that even after the entire day, we could not understand the basis for the selections," Samina said, adding that this lack of clarity may have directly affected the voting.
Referring to Rokeya Hall, she said voter turnout dropped sharply after an altercation between a TSC polling officer and an assistant proctor.
"Such incidents, along with poor crowd control, significantly disrupted the election atmosphere," she observed.
She further alleged that while candidates were officially allowed inside polling centres, many were denied entry in practice.
Another irregularity cited was a shortage of pens inside booths. Although ropes were placed to prevent people from carrying pens, many still managed to take them away, creating a shortfall.
"To address this, ballpoint pens were provided. But if the machines fail to read votes marked with these pens, who will take responsibility?" she asked.
