Eligible British Muslims in the UK, a 2-million strong group, can make their voices heard in the 2019 elections. In previous polls, low Muslim turnout has been an issue; however, if Muslim communities urge those eligible to register and vote, analysts believe their impact can transform many regions of the UK.

1. FIYAZ MUGHAL
B R I T I S H
M U S L I M S
C A N M A K E A N
I M P A C T AT
T H E P O L L S

2. BRITISH MUSLIMS CAN MAKE AN
IMPACT AT THE POLLS
E
ligible British Muslims
in the UK, a 2-million
strong group, can
make their voices heard
in the 2019 elections. In
previous polls, low Muslim
turnout has been an
issue; however, if Muslim
communities urge those
eligible to register and
vote, analysts believe their
impact can transform many
regions of the UK.

3. According to research by the Muslim Coun-
cil of Britain, the major political parties
can lose or gain seats if the Muslim communi-
ty turns up in large numbers.
Some of the reasons why Muslim participa-
tion in the political process is minimal stems
from a feeling of exclusion from the political
process. Additionally, voting in some Muslim
communities is perceived to be a ‘clan’ affair,
where decisions are made based on what
the entire family feels is best rather than
allowing individuals to make independent
choices. This could be true in some instances,
but political experts see the new generation
of Muslims as independent thinkers who un-
derstand their civic duty and know the stakes
are too high for them not to participate.
Beyond thinking of the future of Britain
within the context of Europe (Brexit), many
modern age Muslims are aware of issues like
social justice. They want to live and work in
communities where all people, regardless of
status or class, feel secure.
Additionally, voting
in some Muslim
communities is perceived
to be a ‘clan’ affair, where
decisions are made based
on what the entire family
feels is best rather than
allowing individuals
to make independent
choices.

4. To learn more about this topic, visit
the blog of Fiyaz Mughal.