In a last-minute decision, Goa University (GU) was forced to reschedule the elections for its student council executive committee, originally set for Tuesday, December 16. The postponement came directly on the day of the polls after the university administration received official communication from the district collector's office.
Election Code of Conduct Forces Rescheduling
The primary reason for the deferment is the enforcement of the election code of conduct across Goa for the upcoming Zilla Panchayat polls. The district collector informed the university that holding the student council elections would violate this code. According to sources within GU, the official intimation from the collector's office arrived only on the morning of December 16, leaving little time for prior notice.
Student Bodies Protest Last-Minute Change
The abrupt announcement triggered immediate discontent among student political groups on campus. Members of the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) and the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) staged protests, expressing their frustration over the sudden change in schedule.
ABVP members, in particular, voiced strong objections. They claimed the postponement was unfair and alleged that candidates supported by their organization were in a strong position to win. They argued that the shift in dates effectively derailed their anticipated victory in the student polls.
A large gathering of ABVP supporters assembled at the GU campus, raising slogans to demonstrate their protest. Police personnel were present to monitor the situation, which eventually subsided without major incident.
New Election Date Announced
Following the postponement, Goa University swiftly announced the revised schedule for the student council elections. The polls for the 2025-26 executive committee will now be held on Monday, December 23. Voting is scheduled from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm, with the counting of votes to commence immediately afterward.
This new date aligns with the conclusion of the Zilla Panchayat poll process. The counting of votes for all 50 ZP constituencies is expected to be completed by December 22, a day before the rescheduled university elections.
The university administration has issued a directive for all eligible voters. "All eligible voters are requested to take note of the revised date and should have a valid identity card of the college/school they are representing," stated the GU director.
