7 VP aspirants among 26 collect nomination forms

CHATTOGRAM Sept 14: Twenty-six nomination forms, including 7 Vice President candidates, for Chattogram University Central Students' Union (CUCSU) and hall union elections have been handed over on Sunday, the first day of the distribution of nominations.

CUCSU election Commissioner Dr Moniruddin disclosed this to journalist on Sunday afternoon.

He said a total of 26 nominations for CUCSU and 2 for Hall unions had been distributed on the first day including 7 in CUCSU VP, 2 in GS and 2 in AGS.

The CUCSU and Hall union elections are scheduled to be held on October 12 this year after around 35 years.

With the beginning of the distribution of the Nomination forms, the CU campus is abuzz with excitement and festivity.

The student organisations are engaged in negotiations over possible alliance ahead of the polls while campaign activities are gathering momentum.

Meanwhile, several organisations and platforms, including the July uprising leaders, are interested to field their candidates.

The total numbers of voters for CUCSU elections are 27,634.

The CU unit of Gana Odhikar Parishad has already announced it will run independently under the panel name 'CUCSU for Rapid Change.'

Islami Chhatra Andolan is expected to contest under 'Shocheton Shikkharthi Parishad,' while Bangladesh Chhatra Shakti, the student wing of the National Citizen Party, has confirmed its intention to run by itself.

Several cultural and social groups are said to be in talks for joining forces to form an independent platform.

Chhatra Shibir is reportedly working on a coalition panel that may include female candidates, July uprising activists, religious minorities, and 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 on the day the final list of candidates is announced until 24 hours before polling begins. Candidates will be allowed to campaign for 12 hours from 10:00am barring megaphone use after 9:00pm. Campaign rules prohibit disruption of classes and exams, and participation of outsiders.