The 2024-2025 National University of Science and Technology (NUST) Student Representative Council (SRC) elections have been marred by allegations of election tampering and administrative bias, triggering widespread student protests and calls for accountability.
The first round of elections, held online, saw the Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) win decisively, with their candidates receiving thousands of votes.
In contrast, the Zimbabwe Congress of Students Union (ZICOSU) candidates received significantly fewer votes. However, sources claim that the Dean of Students blocked the verification process, preventing the announcement of results that were unfavorable to ZICOSU. The university later declared the online election null and void, citing procedural issues.
In response, the administration organized a physical election on February 6, 2025. ZINASU candidates again secured a clear victory, winning all available seats.
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However, when the results were published, controversy erupted. Stacey, a ZICOSU candidate, was declared the elected President, despite receiving fewer than 110 votes. ZINASU’s Alfred Chibi, who received over 850 votes, was reportedly not declared the winner.
The irregularities continued in the Minister of Residence race, where Nyasha Paundi of ZINASU, who received fewer than 300 votes, was announced as the winner over ZICOSU’s Devine, who garnered more than 500 votes.
The discrepancies have sparked outrage among students, particularly those supporting ZINASU, who have accused the university administration of deliberately manipulating election results. Protests have been held, demanding a review of the election process and accountability from the administration.
ZINASU has called for a thorough investigation into the actions of the Dean of Students, seeking transparency in future elections. The controversy over the SRC election process has raised serious concerns about the integrity of student governance at NUST.
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