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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