Muslim Political Group to Target Labor Seats, Open to Working with Fatima Payman
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Loading... - Blair Hall
- 01 Jul 2024
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A new political organization, The Muslim Vote, is preparing to challenge Labor MPs in a "teal-style" campaign, leveraging Muslim community anger over the government's stance on Gaza. The group's spokesperson told ABC that the "grassroots" campaign aims to "mobilise the Muslim community to vote as a bloc in the next federal election, predominantly on the issue of justice in Palestine."
Labor insiders suggest that Senator Fatima Payman might consider joining the group or forming a related party focused on Muslim voters. However, the spokesperson clarified that there had been no discussions with Payman about collaboration, though he praised her stance on Palestinian issues.
Senator Payman, suspended from the federal Labor caucus by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese after crossing the floor to support a Greens motion recognizing the state of Palestine, has not commented on joining The Muslim Vote. She reaffirmed her commitment to the "true values and principles of the Labor Party" and plans to reflect on her future representation of Western Australia.
The Muslim Vote operates a website and social media page and appears linked to Muslim Votes Matter, registered with the Australian Tax Office since February. The group claims over 2,000 volunteers and is selecting candidates for several Labor-held seats in western Sydney, including Jason Clare's Blaxland, Tony Burke's Watson, Chris Bowen's McMahon, and Anne Stanley's Werriwa. The organization is also looking to expand its campaign to other states.
Mahmud Hawila, a barrister supporting the group, stated that it has evolved "organically" and is now in "full-fledged election mode," conducting polling, surveys, doorknocking, and pamphlet drop-offs. He noted that the Muslim community, traditionally loyal to Labor, is now feeling unrepresented and ready for change.
"This is the first time that the Muslim community has realised that their vote does matter," said Hawila. "This has been a line in the sand."
