LAHORE: Approximately 3.47 million students of all elementary and high schools of Punjab will elect their respective student councils in an election on Thursday (today).

The Punjab School Education Department (SED) is holding elections in 15,303 girls and boys elementary and high schools to elect 61,212 student council representatives to foster leadership and democratic values among students.

According to SED Secretary Dr Ehtsham Anwar, the student council structure has been designed to elect a president, vice president, general secretary and finance secretary, with eligibility for candidacy based on academic grades. The elections are not just a formality but a practical lesson in democracy.

Responsibilities of elected council members are manifold, ranging from serving as role models in discipline and behavior to organising a plethora of extracurricular activities. These include literary events, debates, sport competitions, and fostering a love for reading and writing among their peers.

Moreover, the councils are expected to play a pivotal role in school administration, aiding in the selection of athletes for competitions, managing sport activities and ensuring student participation in various school events.Dr Anwar said only hardworking, capable, and disciplined students would be eligible to run for offices. He said that the election process would mirror general elections to provide students with an understanding of democratic procedures.

He said a senior teacher would act as the election commissioner, while another senior teacher would serve as the election tribunal. Together, they would form the election commission for each school.

Published in Dawn, May 16th, 2024