Dhaka, Sep 03 (V7N) – After nearly six years, the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) elections are set to be held, creating huge enthusiasm among students. With a record number of candidates contesting this time, concerns have also been raised over whether voters will be able to cast their ballots within the scheduled time.

According to the Election Commission, 39,775 students are eligible to vote in this year’s polls. A total of 471 candidates are vying for 28 posts in the central parliament, while 1,035 candidates are contesting for 13 posts across 18 hall parliaments.

To accommodate nearly 40,000 voters, 8 centers and 710 polling booths are being set up. On average, each center will handle about 5,000 voters, with roughly 56 voters per booth.

However, concerns remain about the voting process. Election experts estimate that voting for 41 posts (central and hall parliaments combined) may take about 8 minutes per person. This means voters will need to spend only about 12 seconds per ballot decision to complete voting within the allotted time. Questions are being raised whether students will be able to find and mark their preferred candidates so quickly, especially during peak hours when long queues are expected.

Although the number of booths has been increased from 500 to 710, the number of centers has not been expanded, prompting frustration among candidates.

Chhatra Dal-backed VP candidate Abidul Islam Khan alleged that political influence is behind the decision. “If the number of centers is not increased, the possibility of a repeat of the 2019 DUCSU elections remains,” he said.

Shibir-backed VP candidate Abu Sadiq Kayem also expressed concern: “We are worried whether students will come to the polling stations spontaneously. At the same time, we fear whether everyone will be able to vote within the limited time.”

In response, DUCSU’s Chief Election Officer Professor Dr. Md. Jasim Uddin said voters have been advised to prepare in advance. “Those who vote will have the names and ballot numbers of their preferred candidates ready. Casting a vote will not take much time,” he assured.

Voting will take place on Tuesday, September 9, uninterrupted from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

END/AJ/SMA