‘Some 20 UJ students scuffle over elections, no injuries reported’

AMMAN — University students belonging to different parties and tribes engaged in a brawl at the University of Jordan (UJ) on Tuesday over the student union elections, slated for Thursday.

The clash took place on campus near the UJ clock tower and lasted for 30 minutes, according to Fakher Daas, coordinator of “Thabahtoona”, the national campaign for defending students’ rights.

Firas Qasas, a member of the UJ student union, said the students clashed over disputes related to the upcoming elections.

“Today’s brawl was about origins, where two groups of students from different political and social backgrounds had a scuffle and damaged university facilities, classrooms and some administrators’ cars,” Qasas added.

UJ Chairman of the Higher Elections Committee Azmi Mahafzah told The Jordan Times that the fight was a result of “over-excitement” about the elections.

“It was a fight between no more than 20 students; the security department at the university will send a report to us; there are also cameras filming and the appropriate measures will be taken regarding this issue,” he said.

No students or staff members were injured, according to Mahafzah.

“The clock tower is a strategic place and is always crowded. One of the groups involved was told to take another route, but they insisted on going towards the tower and insulting the other group,” he said.

“We encourage democracy and transparency in our elections, but those who distort the university’s reputation, by triggering issues of origin, religion, or race will be suspended,” Mahafzah said.

Witnesses said the university’s security personnel moved towards the scuffle and in front of main university gates, fearing further consequences.

“The university is fully prepared for the student union elections this year. We have about 250 security staff members. In addition, some of the security personnel at UJ Hospital and a number of police officers from outside the university will be present on Wednesday and Thursday,” Mahafzah added.

“The elections atmosphere at the university is stable and safe so far. There is no need to spread rumours among students,” he stressed.

In the elections, 511 candidates are vying for 78 seats, after 11 seats were won by acclamation, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.