Voting in the Jagannath University Central Students' Union (JnUCSU) and hall union elections began this morning at the university campus.

Polling started at 9:00 am as per the pre-announced schedule.

A total of 157 candidates are contesting for 21 posts in the JnUCSU election.

Among them, 12 candidates are vying for the vice-president (VP) post, while nine candidates are contesting for the general secretary (GS) position.

Besides, 33 candidates are competing in the hall union elections.

Each voter will cast a total of 21 votes. The election is being conducted through Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) forms using a three-page ballot.

After the completion of polling, vote counting will take place at the central auditorium using six counting machines.

The vote counting process will be displayed live on three LED screens, and the results will be announced at the central auditorium.

Four major panels are contesting the JnUCSU election. These are the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal-backed panel "Oikyoboddho Nirbhik Jobian", Islami Chhatra Shibir's "Odommo Jobian Oikya", the left-leaning alliance-backed "Maulana Bhashani Brigade", and Jatiya Chhatra Shakti's panel "Oikyoboddho Jobian".

Strict security measures have been taken centring the election. Law enforcement agencies have been deployed at polling centres and key points across the campus.

Special security arrangements were put in place at campus entry gates from last night to prevent the entry of outsiders. Alongside law enforcement personnel, members of BNCC and Rover Scouts are also performing duties at the gates.

However, university officials and employees, students and journalists concerned are being allowed to enter the campus upon showing special identification cards.