Tangled truth of JUCSU polls: Delays, controversy and mismanagement cast doubt on legitimacy

The long-anticipated Jahangirnagar University Central Students' Union (JUCSU) election, held after a 33-year hiatus, was marred by irregularities, delays, and accusations of mismanagement, raising questions about its credibility. Despite a 67 percent voter turnout from 12,000 voters in just eight hours, the counting process took a staggering 48 hours, with the final results taking three days to be announced. This unusual delay and lack of transparency sparked public criticism. Tragically, a teacher involved in the vote-counting process passed away, adding to the chaos. Two election commissioners and three other election officials resigned in protest, further undermining the election’s credibility. Hours after the voting began, allegations emerged of the purchase of vote-counting machines (OMR machines) from a Jamaat-e-Islami-linked organisation and accusations...