LAHORE: School students across Punjab elected their 61,212 Student Council office-bearers on 16 May 2024.
Around 3.47 million students cast their votes to elect respective presidents, vice-presidents, general secretaries and class representatives in 15,303 middle and high schools, both for boys and girls.
Long queues of students were observed outside polling booths since early morning. Students were excited about casting votes in a rare experience in their lives. Results were later announced in front of jubilant crowds who were eagerly waiting for the outcome.
The election of student councils was done on the pattern of general elections, entailing the constitution of an election commission, nomination of candidates, election campaign, use of ballot papers and casting of votes.
School Education Department Secretary Ehtasham Anwar said the initiative was the first of its kind in the country. He said unlike student unions, where students had political inclination, the criteria for student councils was such that only hardworking, capable and disciplined students could contest and get elected.
He said the entire exercise was designed to operate under a disciplined and controlled environment. Student councils will primarily organise co-curricular and sports activities at campuses.
Published in Dawn, May 17th, 2024
