Imphal, September 17, 2026: The Office of the Dean of Students’ Welfare, Manipur University, organised a one-day sensitization programme on “Free and Fair MUSU Elections” at the University Auditorium on Thursday. The programme sought to promote informed participation, electoral discipline and a healthy democratic culture ahead of the Manipur University Students’ Union election.
Prof. Ch. Ibohal Singh, Dean of Students’ Welfare, Manipur University, delivered the welcome and keynote address. He said discussions on free and fair elections have remained central to democratic practice and electoral reforms at the national and international levels. The revival of the Manipur University Students’ Union made it necessary for the University community to reflect seriously on how its elections could be conducted peacefully, transparently and systematically.
Prof. Ibohal said a legitimately elected students’ union could play an important role in improving the University and representing the concerns of students. Since Manipur University has a larger responsibility in shaping the future of the State, the students’ union must also emerge as a responsible stakeholder in the University’s academic and institutional development.
He appealed to candidates and their supporters to conduct peaceful campaigns without personal attacks, intimidation or unnecessary expenditure. Referring to the display of unauthorised campaign materials at different locations on the campus, he said a notice had been issued asking those concerned to remove them within 48 hours and help maintain the cleanliness of the University.
Senior Advocate Khaidem Mani Singh, former Chairperson of the Manipur State Human Rights Commission, described elections as an essential component of democracy. Discussing India’s first-past-the-post electoral system and proportional representation, he said electoral reforms had been debated for many years because the largest number of votes secured by a candidate did not always amount to the support of an absolute majority of voters.
He connected free and fair elections with the constitutional freedoms guaranteed under Article 19, including freedom of speech and expression and the right to form associations or unions. He said student elections should allow young people to understand democratic participation and exercise their right to make informed choices.
Khaidem Mani cautioned against money power, muscle power and indirect interference by political parties and their student wings in university elections. He said student organisations should remain focused on the interests of students and the University rather than becoming instruments of external political forces.
Social scientist Dr. Dhanabir Laishram described the university election as the “first school of democracy.” He said good governance should begin on the campus because some of today’s students could become political actors and public representatives at the State or national level in the future.
Dr. Dhanabir underlined the need for clear election rules, equal opportunity for every candidate, self-discipline among participants and respect for the secrecy and sanctity of the ballot. Students, he said, must accept the result delivered through a legitimate electoral process. He urged voters to assess candidates on the basis of honesty, character, knowledge of the issues and history of the land, administrative ability and familiarity with the Constitution and the law.
Dr. Yumnam Premananda Singh, Head of the Department of Law, said a free election must provide voters with a genuine choice, while a fair election must ensure equality and freedom from bias. He stressed the importance of the secret ballot, a clearly defined Model Code of Conduct and strict adherence to the Constitution of the Manipur University Students’ Union.
He said candidates’ antecedents, academic attendance and disciplinary records should be properly examined. Calling for an election free from excessive expenditure, he observed that Manipur University should develop an electoral model that could also inspire affiliated colleges and other educational institutions. Campus elections, he said, must train students for responsible participation in the larger democratic process.
Prof. M.C. Arunkumar, Dean of the School of Human and Environmental Sciences, said freedom in an election meant the ability to cast one’s vote voluntarily, knowingly and without external pressure. Voters should be able to choose not only between individuals but also between ideas, values and programmes.

He said fairness should be judged from the standpoint of collective welfare and justice rather than the personal interests of an individual candidate. Candidates, voters and campaigners must place the cause of Manipur University, the student community and society above narrow considerations. He also reflected on the history and revival of MUSU and the importance of restoring an effective platform for the voices of students.
Prof. Khelena Gurumayum, Head of the Department of Political Science, described MUSU elections as a “laboratory of democracy” where students learn how to contest, vote, campaign, debate, persuade others, express their preferences and accept electoral outcomes.
She said elections were not merely about choosing representatives but also about democratic responsibility. A free election enables voters to exercise their choice without fear, pressure, coercion or intimidation, while a fair election ensures that every candidate and voter is governed by the same rules.
Appealing to the candidates, Prof. Khelena said the election should be a competition of ideas and not a struggle for power. Candidates should clearly explain what they stand for and make realistic commitments on matters such as students’ welfare, mental well-being, gender equality and the improvement of the campus.
She reminded the participants that an electoral opponent was not an enemy and that political competition should not turn into personal hostility. Candidates should campaign strongly without abusive language, violence or activities that damage the University environment. She also emphasised that accepting defeat gracefully was as much an expression of leadership as winning an election.
Prof. Khelena urged the University community to conduct an election in which ideas were stronger than money and arguments stronger than abuse. A free and fair election, she said, was not created only on polling day but through the conduct of every participant throughout the electoral process. Candidates and voters must act responsibly, the election authority must remain impartial, and the University community must collectively protect the democratic character of the institution.
Prof. Premlata Maisnam also addressed the gathering and stressed the importance of conducting the MUSU election in a disciplined, transparent and responsible manner. She said meaningful student participation should contribute to democratic values, academic development and a constructive environment within the University.
The presidium members included Prof. Premlata Maisnam, Dean, School of Education; Prof. Kananbala Sarangthem, Dean, School of Agricultural Sciences; Prof. Toijam Tampha Devi, Dean, School of Humanities; Prof. R.K. Lonibala, Dean, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences; Prof. N. Basanta Singh, Dean, School of Engineering; Prof. N. Rajen Singh, Proctor; Prof. Laishram Rajendrakumar Singh, Finance Officer; and Prof. Ch. Ibohal Singh, Dean of Students’ Welfare.
The programme concluded following an interactive session involving the invited experts, presidium members and participating students. Dr. Huidrom Suraj Singh proposed the vote of thanks.