Concerns are rising over potential undue spiritual influence exerted by religious leaders on Muslim voters in Leicester, mirroring a controversial case from nearly a decade ago. In 2015, the mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman, was ousted from office after an electoral court found him guilty of various corrupt practices, including ballot rigging and bribery. A unique aspect of this case was the accusation of "undue spiritual influence," where Rahman was deemed to have used religion to pressure votes among the borough's Muslim Bangladeshi community—a rare successful case since the 19th century.

 

Fast forward to the current election, similar fears have emerged regarding imams allegedly exerting spiritual pressure on Muslim voters. This form of election interference is illegal under the Elections Act 2022. The Sunday Telegraph has obtained a dossier of messages circulating within Leicester’s Muslim community, with religious leaders urging support for specific candidates.

 

 

In one such message, voters are informed that the “ulama and the masaajid” (religious leaders and mosques) of Leicester East endorse the Liberal Democrat candidate, Zuffar ul Haq. The message suggests it would be "unwise" for Muslims "not to choose a person of faith who promises never to compromise on Islamic principles." It emphasizes that Mr. Haq is "Muslim, God-fearing, understands Islamic values and will always stand up for Palestine." The message also mentions Claudia Webbe, the constituency’s former MP, noting her support for Palestine but downplaying it as not a special favor.

 

Ms. Webbe, initially elected as a Labour MP in 2019, now stands as an independent after her expulsion from Labour in 2020 following her criminal conviction for harassment. Another message circulating in Leicester East urges the Muslim community to vote for Claudia Webbe, labeling votes for Labour or the Conservatives as "votes for genocide." There is no indication that either Ms. Webbe or Mr. Haq are involved in the distribution of these messages. Leicestershire Police are investigating the matter to determine if any laws have been breached.

 

Interfaith campaigner Fiyaz Mughal, who leads the charities Tell Mama and Faith Matters, stated that the issue of religious leaders pressuring their communities has persisted for decades but has become "much more widespread in this election." He noted similar activities in Luton, Yorkshire, Lancashire, and east London. Mughal expressed concern that this practice crosses the line into undue spiritual influence, as well as psychological and social influence. He highlighted the increased activity on platforms like WhatsApp, which are difficult to monitor. Mughal commented, "Imagine there were messages sent around telling people to vote for a white candidate—there would be uproar."

 

The laws on spiritual influence, originally aimed at countering the influence of Roman Catholic clergy over elections in southern Ireland, have evolved. Francis Hoare, a barrister who brought the case against Rahman in 2015, explained that the definition of "spiritual influence" has been broadened. Previously, it required threats from a cleric about adverse consequences in the afterlife for voting a certain way. Hoare noted that the updated law's broader definition of "spiritual pressure" has yet to be tested in the courts, and judges may approach it cautiously.

 

In the nearby Leicestershire constituency of Harborough, Oadby & Wigston, tensions are also high. Labour candidate Hajira Piranie has reported a series of criminal acts aimed at creating an "atmosphere of fear." Tim Durham, her vice-chair of campaigns, detailed incidents ranging from the theft of election signs to an arson attack on his home. Graffiti on Labour signs, featuring Stars of David and the word “genocide,” is believed to stem from misinformation about Labour's Middle East policies.

 

Following the arson attack, Durham and his family have taken measures to enhance their security. Durham remarked on the assumptions about shared British values, expressing disappointment that not everyone adheres to these principles. Piranie, 28, described feeling "anxious" due to the criminal acts, attributing the graffiti to social media misinformation.

 

A Leicestershire Police spokesman confirmed receiving reports of theft, criminal damage, and arson related to the election campaign. The police have been in contact with the election candidate, offering support and safety advice.

 

Credit: Daily Telegraph 2024-07-01

 

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How much better for voters to be influenced by the relentless stream of propaganda and disinformation emanating from opaque Tufton Street thinktanks funded by anonymous donors... 

10 hours ago, Social Media said:

 Lutfur Rahman, was ousted from office after an electoral court found him guilty of various corrupt practices, including ballot rigging and bribery

Come to Thailand. It's daily business here🥴

Again, the ignorant western politicians have let in legions of this group, now the big problems start.  They will never assimilate with non believers in a million years.  Been golfing with one lately? Had some over for a weekend bbq? Never as you are an infidel.  The current elections are showing people's enormous discontent and it will get much worse.

Britain 2924. Get out now if you can. If you can't, condolences.

6 minutes ago, Thingamabob said:

Britain 2924. Get out now if you can. If you can't, condolences.

I won't be around in 900 years. 

 

Condolences not required. Thanks anyway.

42 minutes ago, koolkarl said:

Again, the ignorant western politicians have let in legions of this group, now the big problems start.  They will never assimilate with non believers in a million years.  Been golfing with one lately? Had some over for a weekend bbq? Never as you are an infidel.  The current elections are showing people's enormous discontent and it will get much worse.

I don't play golf. Haven't got a garden for a BBQ.

 

However, I work with people from "this group", I have neighbours from "this group", there's a fantastic restaurant nearby run by people from "this group". No discontent.

 

 

52 minutes ago, Thingamabob said:

Britain 2924. Get out now if you can. If you can't, condolences.

 

I know that time flies and the memory fades as we get older, but I can't remember anything of the last 900 years😉

Ah the Torygraph as reliable as ever in cherry picking Muslim bashing examples of religious interference in elections.

The Church of England is known as the Conservative party at prayer.

Lip service is paid to the overdue need to separate state from religion but over the water the (mostly white) christian fundamentalists have their orange saviour whipping up fury against all non christians.

If what's reported to be happening in Leicester is true (remember, this was in the Torygraph) then this is worrying but to put this in context: this religious problem has been with us for centuries.

1 hour ago, koolkarl said:

Again, the ignorant western politicians have let in legions of this group, now the big problems start.  They will never assimilate with non believers in a million years.  Been golfing with one lately? Had some over for a weekend bbq? Never as you are an infidel.  The current elections are showing people's enormous discontent and it will get much worse.

Maybe you need to widen your range of friends then.

I note that you haven't the b*lls to use the word Muslim.

I ain't been golfing with "one" cos I don't like golf however I socialise with many of "this group". We laugh at bigots but always have their hatred on our radar.

By the way I'm atheist.

 

13 hours ago, Social Media said:

 

 

13 hours ago, Social Media said:

A Leicestershire Police spokesman confirmed receiving reports of theft, criminal damage, and arson related to the election campaign. The police have been in contact with the election candidate, offering support and safety advice.

 

Jolly big hearted of them to offer support and safety advice.

 

One can only assume that they are far too busy investigating the blatant racket which is the open practice of the"paterfamilias" ( sorry to use the old Latin, indeed whisper it quietly, Christian word, but I am pathetically poorly integrated and do not know the Islamic term) collecting all the postal ballots from his extended family and voting with them.

 

Anyway their (Leicestershire Constabulary) thoughts -not prayers obviously- are undoubtedly with them. Should protect them from the petrol bombs!

Edited July 1, 20242 yr by herfiehandbag

21 minutes ago, Red Forever said:

We laugh at bigots but always have their hatred on our radar.

big·ot

/ˈbiɡət/

noun

noun: bigot; plural noun: bigots

1. a person who is obstinately or unreasonably attached to a belief, opinion, or faction, especially one who is prejudiced against or antagonistic toward a person or people on the basis of their membership of a particular group.

    

   How is Islam to Jews, Christians and Non Believers? No hatred or bigotry there?

No mention  fthe influence of religious groups in other areas e.g. Northern Ireland.