JNU flags off students’ election after four years

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) finally kicked off its electoral process after four years on Tuesday.

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) finally kicked off its electoral process after four years on Tuesday.

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Candidates from parties such as the All-India Students' Association (AISA), Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and Youth for Equality filed nomination papers. While the final list of candidates will be announced on Wednesday, polling will be conducted on March 1.

The voter turnout percentage is likely to increase this year. During previous years, turnout was recorded at 60-70% of the total strength of students.

“The percentage of voters may be higher this year, as the students on campus have never taken part in the poll process. So, we may see them participating actively this year,” said Prabodhan Arvind, chairperson, JNU Election Committee.

With JNU primarily being a research institute, the Supreme Court had increased the age limit of students contesting polls from 28 to 30 years and relaxed the attendance criteria.

However, there still remains a fair bit of discontent among students, who believe that the provisions of the Lyngdoh Committee have clipped the wings of its electoral body, wherein candidates are not permitted to distribute pamphlets, hold public discussions or screen films through the poll process.