Dhaka Correspondent: The Election Commission of Jagannath University (JnU) has announced the election schedule for the upcoming Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JAKSU) polls, along with the final code of conduct — making dope testing mandatory for all candidates.

The announcement was made at a press conference held at the university’s Teachers’ Lounge on Wednesday (November 5), where the commission also unveiled the complete election timetable and code of conduct.

According to the newly issued electoral guidelines, the commission will conduct dope tests on all candidates to verify drug-free status. Any candidate who tests positive will have their candidacy automatically canceled. Candidates failing to appear for the test will also be disqualified. The test results will be considered final, and no appeals or objections will be entertained. The university administration will conduct the dope tests on November 27 and 30.

The code of conduct further specifies that no campaign activities may take place inside classrooms or examination halls during classes or exams. From November 12 — one day before the nomination paper distribution — until the official announcement of results, all social, cultural, and welfare programs on campus will remain suspended.

Candidates will not be allowed to gather more than 50 people during campaign activities without prior permission from the Election Commission. No external individuals or organizations may participate in campaign activities. However, former students of Jagannath University may take part if they obtain a special ID card issued by the returning officer. Each panel may receive up to 50 ID cards, while partial panels and independent candidates may receive up to two each.

For fair election management, all open-access libraries on campus will remain closed from the day after nomination submission until the end of the voting process, though the central library will remain open. Campaigning will be allowed until 10 p.m. each day and must end 48 hours before voting begins.

Journalists will be permitted to enter polling centers upon showing ID and obtaining approval from the returning officer, but entry into voting booths will be prohibited. Any form of live broadcasting from within polling centers will not be allowed. Voters will also be restricted from carrying mobile phones or electronic devices inside booths. Vote counting, however, will be broadcast live.

Distribution of voter slips by candidates or their representatives will be allowed, but not within 50 meters of polling centers.

Chief Returning Officer Professor Dr. Mostafa Hasan, while announcing the schedule, said that voting for the JAKSU election will be held on Monday, December 22, and results will be declared the same day.

According to the detailed schedule:

• Nov 5: Publication of the code of conduct

• Nov 9–11: Receiving and resolving objections to the voter list

• Nov 12: Publication of the final voter list

• Nov 13–17: Distribution of nomination papers

• Nov 17–18: Submission of nomination papers

• Nov 19–20: Scrutiny of nominations

• Nov 23: Publication of preliminary candidate list

• Nov 24–26: Disposal of objections and appeals

• Nov 27 & 30: Dope tests for candidates

• Dec 3: Publication of final candidate list

• Dec 4, 7 & 8: Withdrawal of nominations

• Dec 9: Publication of rejected candidate list

• Dec 9–19: Campaign period

• Dec 22: Voting, counting, and results announcement.

The Election Commission stated that the measures aim to ensure a free, fair, and transparent student election at Jagannath University.