Daijiworld Media Network - Aligarh

Aligarh, Nov 6: Women candidates have created history in the Aligarh Muslim University Students’ Union (AMUSU) elections, winning six of the 13 posts, including the vice-president's position. The results were announced on Friday.

Nashra Naim became the first woman to be elected vice-president of the students’ union in the institution's 105-year history. She secured 7,091 votes, defeating her nearest rival, who received 5,818 votes.

Women candidates also won five of the 10 cabinet member posts, marking a record level of representation in the students’ union.

Mohammad Noman Ashraf was elected president with a victory margin of more than 4,100 votes, while Mohammad Hamdan won the secretary's post.

The results were announced by Prof Javaid Talib, Chief Election Officer for the AMUSU and AMU Court elections, and Prof Nazia Hasan, Chief Election Officer for the Women’s College Students’ Union elections.

The elections were significant as they were held after an unprecedented gap of eight years, following persistent student protests over the past three years.

A senior faculty member said the ongoing Gen Z protests had also influenced the election campaign. Unlike previous elections, which largely focused on campus-related concerns, this year's discussions also covered wider national issues, including matters concerning Muslims, the faculty member said, requesting anonymity.

AMU Vice-Chancellor Prof Naima Khatoon welcomed the peaceful conduct of the elections, describing it as a triumph of the institution's democratic traditions. She also welcomed the increased participation and representation of women, emphasising the importance of women's empowerment.

University officials said no incidents of violence were reported during the election campaign.