#StayMuslimDon’tVote drive in UK

London: A Muslim preacher, Anjem Choudary, is playing a pivotal role in London. The Independent reported that Mr Choudary is trying to discourage UK Muslims from voting in the up-coming elections by claiming the act to a ‘sin’ under Islamic law.

Mr Choudary’s group is promoting a campaign on social media with the hashtag #StayMuslimDon’tVote and has released a series of videos aimed at discouraging young Muslims from taking part in the democratic process.

Despite having become adept at marshalling media coverage, Mr Choudary is considered as  a fringe figure in British Islam. “Almost all major Muslim organisations say it is a civic obligation for us to participate in the electoral process because we have an opportunity to make our societies better, not just for Muslims but for everyone,” Talha Ahmad of Muslim Council of Britain said.

However, already, a number of grassroots campaigns have been set up by mainstream groups to encourage British Muslims to go to the polls.

A group, YouElect, aims to promote voter registration and political engagement among followers of the religion. “With continuing economic uncertainty, unemployment, possible cuts in social services, civil liberty issues, rising inequality, inconsistent foreign policy and rising Islamophobia it is important to ensure to support the right candidate.”