New Delhi, September 18: Voting for the Delhi University Student Union (DUSU) elections 2026 is taking place today. The counting of votes is scheduled for September 19. Only eligible Delhi University students will be allowed to vote, and a valid DU ID card is mandatory for participation.
In light of security arrangements, police will be deployed outside colleges and departments. Special attention has been given to sensitive areas, with patrols and the presence of female police officers at women’s colleges.
AI-Based Campaigning
This year’s DUSU elections have seen a significant shift in campaigning methods. Due to strict regulations from the DU administration, student organizations have opted for artificial intelligence (AI) and social media reels instead of traditional paper posters. Candidates are utilizing short videos, memes, and reels to engage with the youth effectively.
Deployment of EVMs
The process of delivering Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) to colleges was completed on September 17, a day before the voting. Trained master trainers have been assigned for this purpose. Voting times have been staggered according to college shifts, with morning classes scheduled from 8:30 AM to 1 PM and evening classes from 3 PM to 7:30 PM.
Special Arrangements at Polling Stations
Polling stations have made special arrangements to ensure student convenience. Trained staff and volunteers will manage queues, and separate entry and exit routes have been established. To protect students from heat and crowds, provisions for water and shade have been made, along with first aid facilities.
ID Verification Required
Given the significant number of female voters, ensuring proper identification at polling stations is crucial. The university has emphasized identity verification and entry management to facilitate a smooth voting process.
Election Schedule Released
The election schedule for DUSU 2026-27 was announced by DU on August 13. The code of conduct and campaigning rules were implemented in the same month, focusing on paperless campaigns and digital/video promotions.
Last year, over 155,000 students participated in the DUSU elections, where Aryan Mann from the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) was elected president, defeating Joslyn Nandita Chaudhary from the Congress-backed National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) by a margin of 16,196 votes.