Non-transparent ballot boxes in Ducsu polls

Getting aside from the norms of using transparent ballot boxes in the December 30 national elections, the Dhaka University authorities are going to use non-transparent ballot boxes in the election to Dhaka University Central Students' Union (Ducsu) scheduled on Monday.

The authorities have almost finalised the process of holding the election using the ballot boxes that are not transparent when most of the student bodies are casting doubts whether a transparent election will be held.

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Confirming the development, a top electoral official of the Ducsu polls said, “Traditionally steel-made ballot boxes (non-transparent) are used in Dhaka University elections. These boxes have been used for long; this is nothing new.”

“These ballot boxes were used in the elections to Dhaka University Teachers’ Association and Registered Graduates’ Election. However, this year, some now ballot boxes have been manufactured due to the increased number of voters,” he said.

Chief Returning Officer of Ducsu election Prof Dr SM Mahfuzur Rahman denied making any formal comment regarding the issue when he was contacted over phone.

However, a teacher wishing anonymity, said as the ballots are non-foldable and the votes will be counted by OMR machines that’s why these ballot boxes have been used and these are suitable.

A number of such boxes were seen piled up in front Nawab Nabab Ali Chowdhury Senate building on the university campus.

Liton Nandi, vice-president candidate of the leftist panel, and Muhammad Rashed Khan, general secretary candidate of Bangladesh Sadharan Chhatra Odhikar Sangrakkhan Parishad said they were unaware of the use of non-transparent ballot boxes in the election.

Liton told the newspaper that the administration is taking an opaque approach towards the whole election process. “Limiting the number of journalists covering the election is a part of this,” he said.

He also expressed concerns regarding irregularities in the election.

Rashed alleged, “The authorities have taken the decision to extend the favour to ruling party’s student front, Bangladesh Chhatra League.” He said they would lodge a formal complaint regarding this tomorrow.

The BCL candidates could not be reached for their comments over the issue.