The Muslim Council of Britain has launched a wide-ranging campaign to encourage Muslims to fully participate in Britain's democratic traditions and exercise their vote. MCB has launched an online resource centre and is working with a wide coalition of bodies to raise awareness. See MCB's advert appearing on the Islam Channel and other ethnic TV stations at www.mcb.org.uk/vote2008.
The Muslim Council of Britain working in association with the Electoral Commission has written to Mosques and Islamic associations throughout the London area, as well as other parts of the country, calling upon them to do their utmost to encourage London's Muslim communities to register to vote before the April 16 deadline.
"We are calling upon Imams/Mosque Leaders to utilise the Friday prayer sermons to remind their congregation to register to vote. We want to see London's Muslims playing a full role in British political life and engaging with others on issues that are of concern to all of us. It is also important to ensure that the far right do not sneak in on a low voter turnout," said Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Britain.
Action so far
The MCB has launched a campaign to raise awareness amongst its affiliates. Mosques are advised to encourage their congregations to vote on 1 May
Affiliates are advised to launch effective local campaigns by seeking coalitions with other groups and other faiths
Muslim student groups are raising awareness amongst young people in student unions
Muslim and ethnic media are hosting debates and discussions on democratic participation and airing the MCB ad to encourage voter registration (to see the video, visit www.mcb.org.uk/vote2008.)
MCB is working with a diverse range of bodies who are commited to democratic participation, wish to raise the very real social concerns affecting Londoners, and those active in preventing the far-right in gaining a foothold in public life
