New Delhi: The Delhi University is poised for a major political showdown today, September 18, as more than 2,75,000 students prepare to vote in the much-anticipated Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections. The polls are being conducted under unprecedented scrutiny following a Delhi High Court directive, which has banned victory processions after the results on September 19 and warned of strict action if order is not maintained.

This year’s contest, set to reveal its outcome tomorrow, is shaping up as a three-way battle between the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), and a Left-backed alliance of the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) and All India Students’ Association (AISA). Alongside heightened security, closer monitoring of campaigns and tougher enforcement of Lyngdoh Committee guidelines, the university is seeking to ensure a more disciplined election process.

VIDEO | Voting for the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections began on Thursday morning amid tight security, with more than 600 police personnel deployed to ensure that the polling goes on smoothly. Visuals from outside Ram Lal College, South Campus.… pic.twitter.com/5gm8mpkAYk

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News)

Polling has been scheduled in two phases to accommodate both morning and evening students. Those enrolled in daytime courses are able to vote between 8.30 AM and 1 PM, while evening students can cast their ballots from 3 PM until 7.30 PM. Under the election rules, anyone arriving within the stipulated time will be allowed to exercise their vote.

Eligibility has been strictly defined. Second- and third-year students must present their official college identity cards, while first-year students are required to show a combination of their admission fee receipt and a government-issued photo ID.

Elections to the central panel, covering the posts of president, vice president, secretary and joint secretary are being conducted electronically, while college-level polls will continue to rely on traditional ballot papers.

The polls are taking place in the shadow of a Delhi High Court order issued last year, which called for tighter oversight. Strict anti-defacement measures are in place, banning posters, graffiti and wall writing across the campus. Colleges have been directed to prevent candidates from using inducements such as outings or entertainment activities to woo voters.

Delhi Police has bolstered security with additional personnel, new CCTV installations and the distribution of 160 body-worn cameras to officers on duty. Vehicles with tinted windows or missing number plates are also facing intensified checks.

The High Court has also tasked Delhi Police, university authorities and the civil administration with ensuring that voting proceeds smoothly and that all regulations are strictly followed.