Multiple nominations mark Jucsu polls race
According to the draft list released by the Election Commission, 256 candidates have been declared valid, of whom at least 28 are contesting for more than one position.
Strategic manoeuvring has become evident in the Jahangirnagar University Central Students' Union (Jucsu) election as several candidates have filed nominations for multiple posts.
According to the draft list released by the Election Commission, 256 candidates have been declared valid, of whom at least 28 are contesting for more than one position.
Many of the candidates linked with Chhatra Shibir, Chhatra Dal, Bangladesh Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangsad (BGCS) and United People's Bangladesh (UP Bangladesh) have submitted multiple nominations in an apparent effort to secure stronger ground in the polls.
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However, by 28 August, all candidates must withdraw from extra posts and retain only one.
This year, 20 candidates are vying for the vice-president (VP) position, while 17 are running for the general secretary (GS) post.
Notably, no female candidate is contesting for VP, due to controversies over expired student status and other issues. Women candidates, however, are active in several editorial and other posts.
At least seven candidates are contesting for three separate positions, including Chhatra Dal-backed Hamidullah Salman, Mehedi Hasan, Mohammad Rubel and Zahirul Islam.
Alongside them, Russell Akand, Syeda Anonnya Faria, and Sharif Mohammad have also filed nominations for three different posts. Among these, Chhatra Dal alone has three VP contenders.
Another 21 candidates are vying for two posts each, including Chhatra Dal's Sheikh Sadi, Kazi Mausumi Afroze, Rafidullah Rafid, Arshad Habib Bishal, Sazzadul Islam, and Abidur Rahman.
Candidates linked with Shibir and BGCS have also filed for more than one position.
Candidates explained that this was a part of their political strategy. BGCS-backed VP candidate Arifuzzaman Uzzal said, "As part of our party strategy, we filed nominations for multiple posts, but eventually we will settle on one."
Chhatra Dal's VP candidate Sheikh Sadi said, "Both personal choice and party direction guided us to submit multiple nominations. The final decision will be made in line with the party's instructions."
Female candidate Anonnya Faria said, "Different Jucsu posts provide different scopes of work. I submitted nominations based on my personal choice. Whichever position the central leadership deems me suitable for, I will contest that one."
