DUSU Elections: A Season of Chaos and Electoral Misconduct
Image Source: DUSU Election
As the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections approach, the campus undergoes a dramatic transformation. The campus is awash with a deluge of pamphlets, roads are choked with rally traffic, and littering reaches its peak. The Delhi University Student Union (DUSU) elections, a highlight of the academic calendar, resemble a miniaturized version of parliamentary elections.
However, these student elections are marred by excesses, including the widespread distribution of freebies (movie tickets, etc.), large-scale campaigning, use of muscle power, caste-based vote gathering, and significant violations of electoral norms. The regulations designed to govern these elections are often disregarded by both candidates and the university administration, rendering the Lyngdoh Committee’s guidelines largely ineffective.
Background on the Lyngdoh Committee
In response to increasing concerns about electoral malpractices in student unions, the Supreme Court of India established a committee in 2005, led by former Chief Election Commissioner J.M. Lyngdoh. The committee was tasked with proposing reforms to curb excessive spending, ensure transparency, and promote fair practices in student elections. The report, released in May 2006, outlined several key recommendations.
Key Recommendations of the Lyngdoh Committee
- Eligibility and Attendance: Candidates must meet a minimum attendance requirement, either as prescribed by the university or at least 75%, whichever is higher (Clause 6.5.5).
- Expenditure Limits: The maximum expenditure per candidate is capped at Rs. 5,000 (Clause 6.6.1). Candidates are required to submit audited accounts within two weeks of the election results, which must be published within two days for public scrutiny (Clause 6.6.2). Non-compliance with these financial regulations can lead to the nullification of the election (Clause 6.6.3).
- Funding Restrictions: To prevent undue influence, candidates are barred from using funds from political parties and must rely solely on voluntary contributions from the student body (Clause 6.6.4).
- Campaigning and Propaganda: The use of caste or communal appeals in campaigning is prohibited (Clause 6.7.3). Printed materials such as posters and pamphlets are banned; only handmade posters are allowed and must be displayed in designated areas (Clauses 6.7.5, 6.7.6). Candidates are also prohibited from holding processions or using loudspeakers without prior permission (Clauses 6.7.9, 6.7.10). Additionally, candidates must clean up polling areas within 48 hours of the election’s conclusion (Clause 6.7.14).
Implementation Challenges and Violations
Despite the well-intentioned guidelines, the practical application of the Lyngdoh Committee’s recommendations has faced significant hurdles:
- Excessive Spending: The Rs. 5,000 expenditure limit is frequently exceeded. Campaigns often involve expensive events and performances, far surpassing the prescribed budget. This trend continues to flout the committee’s financial constraints.
- NGT Orders on Paper Waste: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) mandated that DUSU elections must minimize paper waste, permitting only handmade posters in designated areas. However, this directive has been largely ignored, with numerous printed posters and pamphlets still evident across campuses.
Are these candidates truly deserving of our votes?
Despite the high level of education and awareness among both contestants and voters, this is the situation of youth elections in our country. The continued use of caste-based appeals and the disregard for electoral regulations reflect poorly on the integrity of the process. Voters and candidates alike are well aware of the consequences of paper wastage and the implications of caste politics, yet these issues persist at even this small-scale level of elections.
The Delhi University Student Union elections are a complex arena where democratic ideals clash with real-world practices. Addressing these challenges requires a renewed focus on effective implementation of existing guidelines and fostering a dialogue between student bodies, university authorities, and policymakers. Only through such efforts can we hope to achieve a more equitable and transparent electoral process, reflecting the true spirit of democratic participation.
Team Profile
- Freelance Journalist
- Nidhi Kasana is a dedicated journalist holding a bachelor's degree in journalism from the Delhi School of Journalism, University of Delhi. She possesses a strong command of the English language and a profound interest in international and political journalism. With an unwavering passion for uncovering the truth and amplifying diverse perspectives, Nidhi aims to make a significant impact in the field.
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