University of Delhi is gearing up for the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections of 2014-15. With roughly two weeks to go for the election day, officials for monitoring and facilitating the conduct of elections are hard at work somewhere amidst the much visible election fever.
Prof. DS Rawat of Department of Chemistry has taken over as the Chief Election Officer for the elections scheduled to be held on 12th September 2014. In conversation with our correspondent Iresh Gupta, Prof. Rawat talks about his plans and expectations from this edition of elections to elect the office bearers and members for the Central Council of DUSU. Contradicting the view of students who call this election a drama, Mr. CEO feels that elections involve certain amount of learning. He also tells us about the actions to be taken with the help of Delhi Police against the candidates violating the norms.
Iresh: Hello Sir. With less than two weeks remaining for the DUSU elections, what is the plan drafted by you and your team? Prof. Rawat: Honorable Vice Chancellor and myself have issued a notice to all the students to participate in the elections. We request all the students to take part in this democratic process.
Iresh: For the elections of 2013-14 you were working as the Chief Returning Officer, and this time you took over as Chief Election Officer, what changes do you personally wish to see? Prof. Rawat: The candidates have been given DU community radio and DU website for the Campaign and we have issued an advisory to the students to make use of it.
Iresh: Each year the university witnesses the same election ‘drama’, as students choose to call it, do you think that is how the elections should work, dramatically I mean? Prof. Rawat: I don’t think it’s right to call the democratic process a “drama”. In fact the youth must use this as a platform to learn the power of democracy.
This year, we will not hesitate to cancel the nominations if someone violates the code of conduct. Videography will be done, and strict action will be taken against the people who violate the code of conduct.
– Prof DS Rawat, Chief Election Officer, DUSU Election 2014-15
Iresh: Usage of paper pamphlets is at peak during elections even though such campaigning isn’t allowed. Walls of the University are also plastered with these posters. What is being done? Prof. Rawat: As of now no one has filed for nomination, so we can’t take action against anyone. Delhi Public Defacement Act is in place and police should take a motto as cognizance and file case against the guilty. In fact I have written to the Commissioner of Police-Delhi to file cases against those who have defaced the public property.
Iresh: Do you think giving free movie tickets and throwing parties affect the results of elections? Prof. Rawat: I have no idea about this kind of activity, so I cannot comment on that.
Iresh: What about the interests of the students? How much do you think these parties offer them? Also, these days the campaigning is done is colleges disturbing ongoing classes. Isn’t that against the lyngdoh committee’s rules? Prof. Rawat: Only five students including the candidate can do the campaigning in the colleges, and all the college Principals have been requested to implement the code of conduct. If anyone violates this, he/she will be liable for action under the rules.
[caption id="attachment_25588" align="aligncenter" width="604"]
Lyngdoh Committee rules for University elections[/caption]
Iresh: The trend is noticed that the DUSU elections are mostly male dominated. What can be reason for this? Prof. Rawat: I think many female contestants had fought the election last year and one of them won the election as well. We encourage females to come forward and take active part in these elections.
Iresh: Finally, what results are you expecting by the plans drafted by you and your team? Prof. Rawat: I request all the participants to adhere to the code of conduct and don’t use paper and excessive vehicles. I feel, we will be able to hold these election in the spirit of the code of conduct.
For more on Lyngdoh Committee Rules for University Elections click here.
]]>
Comments are closed.