KATHMANDU: The Central Monitoring and Coordination Committee of Tribhuvan University (TU) has issued 13-point directives to campus and college election committees ahead of the Independent Free Student Union (FSU) elections scheduled for March 18.
The directives, issued on Friday, aim to ensure the election is conducted smoothly and on the specified date. The committee, chaired by the Rector, has outlined guidelines to regulate the election process across affiliated campuses and colleges.
According to the directives, campuses are allowed to form an Election Code of Conduct Monitoring and Coordination Committee consisting of three to seven members. Additional committees can also be established if required.
The directives further instruct election committees to prepare necessary forms, including those for registration, agent number allocation, candidacy withdrawal, and bond structures.
One of the key guidelines specifies that a ‘group’ participating in the FSU elections must consist of at least 11 members, including a coordinator. These groups must be registered with a certified copy of the decision to form the group.
Additionally, the directive clarifies the role of the Campus Student Welfare Chief as either the Coordinator or Member Secretary of the Election Committee. In cases where the Welfare Chief is not appointed, the Campus Chief is authorized to assign election responsibilities to other faculty members.
The directives outline voter eligibility, stating that students enrolled in the first year and semester of the undergraduate level by Jan 24 will be included in the voter list. Similarly, first-semester postgraduate students admitted by January end will also be eligible to vote.
Provisions have been made to allow students who are appearing for exams between February 13 and March 17 to vote using their campus identity card or admission letter.
The committee has also addressed concerns regarding the tenure of the current FSU, referencing the Tribhuvan University Free Students’ Union Election Directive 2024 and the Educational Administration Rules 1993.
Other provisions include guidelines for student representation, election scheduling flexibility, and restrictions on volunteer presence within campus premises on election day.
These directives aim to maintain order and transparency in the election process, ensuring fair participation across all TU-affiliated campuses and colleges.
Comment