We know that Amaliah is like a Big Sis and sometimes our DMs have been filled with requests for advice on a range of life issues including relationships, friendships or work troubles.

We have started a new segment where we field dilemmas from the community and answer them as frankly as we can with love, truth and honesty.

Need some advice on a dilemma? Send them all here!

---

Salam. I’m so confused about the upcoming general elections. From an ethical standpoint, who do you think we should vote for especially in light of the genocide? 

Maya Areem responds:

Asalamu Alaykum,

Thank you for reaching out with your question. The upcoming UK general elections are indeed a challenging landscape to navigate, especially from an ethical standpoint given the current political climate.

Over the last few years, many have felt “politically homeless” citing that the Labour party under Keir Starmer and the Tories led by Rishi Sunak, often appear indistinguishable on key issues such as immigration, the treatment of Muslims, and the genocide in Palestine. This similarity has understandably left many feeling disillusioned and unsure about where to place their vote.

For many, Palestine has been seen as a defining moral issue in the election. There has been a campaign titled “No Ceasefire, No Vote,” a movement highlighting the importance of voting only for candidates who support a ceasefire in Gaza. Organisations like The Muslim Vote provide resources to help identify candidates’ stances on this and other critical issues.

Given the two-party system, while it’s likely that the government will be formed by either Labour or the Conservatives, it’s still crucial to consider the moral implications of your vote.

Evaluate candidates based on their positions on Palestine, especially their stance on a ceasefire. If your local MP supports Palestinian rights but belongs to a party whose leadership does not, your other options could be voting for an independent candidate or spoiling your ballot in protest. Ultimately, the decision is personal and should align with your values. Voting, abstaining, or spoiling your ballot are all valid ways to express your ethical standpoint and contribute to the political discourse.

There are also several other steps you can take to get  involved in the political system and make an informed decision.

You can research the candidates in your constituency and look at their voting records on websites like Theyworkforyou, to understand their stances on issues important to you.

You can also follow your local candidates on social media to get a sense of their priorities and how they engage with constituents. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them with specific questions.

You are also able to request a meeting with your MP, which many have done to have a direct conversation and to pressure MPs into action. There is some guidance here. 

You can also speak to the candidates or their representatives to get a clear picture of their policies and intentions. This can provide valuable insights and help you decide if they genuinely represent your interests and values. You can directly contact the candidates’ offices through email or phone call to ask about their policies and how they intend to address specific concerns, such as immigration or international issues like Palestine.

Beyond Labour and the Conservatives, there are others who might better represent your ethical and political views. Read their manifestos, their track records in order to understand how they might address your concerns. Attend local forums where candidates from smaller parties or independent candidates may present their views and answer questions.

Consider attending a session where MPs and candidates meet with constituents to discuss their issues to better understand their views. Many times, candidates hold virtual Q&A sessions where you can participate and ask questions directly. This can sometimes reveal options that align more closely with your values.

If, after thorough consideration, you find that no candidate or their party aligns with your ethical standpoint, you have the option to abstain or spoil your vote. While this might feel like a waste, it can be a powerful statement. It signals dissatisfaction with the available options and can contribute to broader discussions about electoral reform and the need for more representative choices.

If you choose to spoil your ballot, it’s important to do so intentionally. Write a clear message on the ballot about why you are doing so. This sends a stronger message than simply not voting.

You could also join or initiate discussions within your community about the reasons for abstaining or spoiling votes. This can help create a collective voice that may influence future electoral reforms.

It is important to understand that abstaining or spoiling your vote doesn’t affect the outcome in a direct way, but it does contribute to the overall statistics that political analysts and parties review. Low voter turnout or high numbers of spoiled ballots can indicate widespread discontent, potentially influencing future political strategies and candidate selections.

You can also follow political analysts and activists who focus on electoral reforms whose insights can help you understand how your actions contribute to broader change. You can also try to stay involved in local and national politics beyond the elections. Join community groups and participate in local council meetings to stay informed about political developments.

In summary, while the political landscape may seem bleak, there are still ways to engage meaningfully with the electoral process that aligns to your morals and values.

May Allah (SWT) grant us all clarity and peace in our decision-making process. May He (SWT) grant us leaders who are just and fair in our fight against systemic oppression, racism, migrant justice and genocide.

Love + Duas,

Aunt Maya

---