CHATTOGRAM, Sept 16: A total of 1,063 nomination forms were released on Tuesday, the final day of distribution, for the Chattogram University Central Students' Union (CUCSU) and Hall Union elections.
Election Commissioner Dr Moniruddin disclosed the information to journalists, saying 474 forms were for CUCSU and 589 for Hall Union.
The distribution began on Sunday, and the last day for submission is Wednesday.
The CUCSU election is being held for the first time in 35 years. With the start of form distribution, the CU campus was filled with excitement and a festive mood.
The CUCSU and Hall Union elections are scheduled for October 12.
Student organisations are engaged in negotiations over possible alliances ahead of the polls, while campaign activities are gathering momentum. Several organisations and platforms, including the July Uprising leaders, are interested in fielding candidates.
The total number of voters is 27,634.
However, no group has declared any panel yet. The Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) and Islami Chhatra Shibir (ICS) have collected their nomination forms.
Several cultural and social groups are reportedly in talks to join forces and form an independent slate. Chhatra Shibir is reportedly working on a coalition panel that may include female candidates, July Uprising activists, religious minorities, and members of the indigenous community.
Chhatra Dal is also exploring the possibility of running together with five organisations from the Democratic Students' Alliance and Chhatra Majlis.
Campaigning will begin once the final list of candidates is announced and continue until 24 hours before polling begins. Candidates will be allowed to campaign for 12 hours daily from 10 am, with megaphone use banned after 9 pm. Campaign rules prohibit disruption of classes and exams, as well as participation by outsiders.
On election day, no candidate or supporter will be allowed to distribute voter slips within 100 metres of polling centres.
Violations may result in fines of up to Tk 20,000, cancellation of candidature, expulsion, or legal action.
The forms will be scrutinised on September 18, followed by the publication of a draft candidate list on September 21. The deadline for withdrawal is September 23 at 3:30 pm, and the final list will be announced on September 25. Polling will be held on October 12 from 9 am to 4 pm.
Meanwhile, the CUCSU constitution has been officially revised, with the abolition of four joint secretary posts and the introduction of four new secretarial positions.
