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A Call for Change: Reimagining the Muslim Vote in BC's Provincial Elections
9-25-2024
As British Columbians prepare to head to the polls on October 19th to choose their next provincial government, political dynamics are once again shifting dramatically. In a surprising turn of events, the BC United party, which served as the official opposition, collapsed just weeks before the election. This sudden implosion has left the political landscape to be dominated by the BC NDP, led by Premier David Eby, and the BC Conservatives, under the leadership of John Rustad.
However, in the context of global events, especially following the escalation of violence in Gaza, the way we approach voting as Muslim Canadians must evolve starting from this upcoming BC elections.
A Changing World, A Need for Political Transformation
The world has shifted dramatically post-October 7, and it is clear that Western political parties are unwilling to take a firm stance against the violence perpetrated against innocent Palestinians. This lack of accountability raises serious questions about the integrity and values of political representatives. Here at AlAmeen Post, we believe it’s time to rethink how we engage with politics, both federally and provincially.
Muslim representation in Canadian politics has grown, particularly under the federal Liberal government. However, having Muslim representatives has not necessarily resulted in those representatives speaking "truth to power." Many of these politicians have remained silent, choosing to align with the pro-Israel stance of their party rather than advocating for justice or addressing the concerns of their constituents.
This silence is not just evident among Muslim MPs but also among visible minority MPs, particularly within the Indo-Canadian Liberal Caucus. These MPs often appeal to Canadian Muslims during election time, promising to advance their issues. Yet, when Muslims around the world suffer, they remain quiet, towing the party line. This failure to act on behalf of their community is a betrayal of the trust placed in them by their voters. Almost all of them have proven to be spineless politicians, safeguarding their own personal interests, their jobs, and pensions.
Independent Voices: A New Path Forward
It is increasingly apparent that relying on traditional political parties to represent Muslim interests is ineffective. The solution lies in stepping away from established voting patterns and supporting independent candidates and candidates who can truly voice the concerns of Muslim constituents without the constraints of party loyalty.
In the UK, we’ve seen success with independent candidates like Jeremy Corbyn who stepped down from the labour party, Adnan Hussain, Ayoub Khan, and Iqbal Mohamed, who have been elected on platforms focused on representing Muslim voices and standing against Zionist war crimes. These candidates, unencumbered by party politics, have proven that independent representatives can be powerful advocates for their communities.
This year, in BC’s provincial election, a similar opportunity has emerged. An independent Muslim candidate is running in Surrey, and we have an obligation to support candidates like him in all possible ways—whether through financial contributions or by volunteering. Independent candidates are not bound by party lines or controlled by party whips, allowing them to truly represent the people.
When voting in the upcoming election, it's important to consider candidates who have shown independence from their party, particularly on issues that matter to their constituents. These are the individuals who have demonstrated the courage to stand up for their community in times of need, even when it means going against their party’s position. Candidates like these, who prioritize the concerns of their voters over party loyalty, deserve strong consideration at the ballot box.
The Problem of Political Influence in Mosques
A disturbing trend has emerged within our community, with mosque managements restricting the flow of impartial political information and pushing specific political allegiances. Over the past two decades, AlAmeen Post has worked tirelessly to promote political activism in an impartial manner. We were among the first to introduce political debates at mosques at local riding level, providing a platform for community members to meet local candidates and make informed decisions.
However, in recent years, we’ve witnessed a concerning shift where special interest groups with partisan views have managed to control candidate debates at mosques, favouring only their own political preferences. This practice is dangerous and unhealthy for the growth and development of the entire community. It limits the choices presented to Muslim voters and undermines the democratic process.
Breaking the Chains of Political Dependency
The idea that Muslims have only one political choice is detrimental to our political influence. Other parties do not engage with the Muslim community because they believe they won’t receive Muslim votes, while the party that does get the vote takes it for granted. This cycle leaves Muslim concerns unheard and unaddressed, further weakening our political power.
If we want to ensure that Muslims in Canada have a strong voice in Parliament and provincial legislatures, we must expand our political horizons. This means stepping away from the previous “tried and tested” and failed strategies reliant on one or two parties. The logical solution is embracing a broader spectrum of political options, including independent candidates.
We must take bold steps to use the power of our vote to bring about meaningful change. This might include creating a slate of independent candidates who can reshape the political structure and ensure that Muslim voices are heard.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for Muslim Political Engagement
It is time to unshackle ourselves from the mental slavery of political dependency. We must chart our own course for the future, supporting candidates who genuinely represent our interests and advocating for the issues that matter most to us. By doing so, we can ensure that Muslims in Canada have a strong and independent political voice that can influence both provincial and federal politics.
This election, let us embrace the power of independent voices and work towards a future where our political representatives truly reflect our values and stand up for justice. Unless we take this bold step and use the power of our vote to be able to change our representatives our political future is and will be uncertain.
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