Why I'm voting for Siobhan Benita
Glad to see the local Muslim leaders, be it Imam Abdullah Hasan or Mr.Diary of a Badman encouraging Muslims to vote, in todays London Mayoral election. But their endorsement of Ken in my view, is very premature and a continuation of the blind following of labour. Having said that, Muslims must do their own research and critically decide who to vote for. Not follow an age old tradition of voting labour, because they were good for us once upon a time. True. Labour have stood in solidarity with ethnic minorities against racists like the National Front and the BNP. But the Muslim community must break away from this habit, and acknowledge that Labour is not the same anymore. Muslims must wake up and realise the potential they have to mobilize and make a genuine difference, as a community.
As Reyhana Patel rightly said in her recent article in the Huffington Post;
"Muslims represent 3% of Britain's population. Even though this is a small percentage, because of the high concentrations of the Muslim population, there are 20 marginal constituencies with significant Muslim voting potential. In these constituencies, the Muslim vote can be crucial"
The Muslim vote has controversially shook the political spectrum twice; Once with the election of George Galloway in Bethnal Green and Bow, and the recent re-election this year of GG in Bradford West. Yet the Muslim community have fell into the habit of, like many other minority groups in the UK, voting Labour without critically analysing the parties policy.
With that in mind, I urge any Muslims voting today, to vote for Ken as their second preference, and put the independent candidate Siobhan Benita as their first preference. She may not win todays election, but I would rather have the piece of mind knowing I voted for someone whose policies I believe in, as opposed to tactically voting someone in.
Her policies after discussing with friends, and looking over them myself, are exactly what London needs. Unlike the top two personas in this mayoral election, Siobhan has made a conscious effort to engage with young people, and have a frank and open discussion with them, about issues affecting them. One policy in particular, that I feel is essential, especially in todays economic climate, is her policy of an elected young London mayor and youth London assembly. With the scrapping of EMA, the introduction of high tuition fees, young people need to be empowered in contributing towards the decisions being made today, that will affect their tomorrow.
Many friends have called my endorsement of Siobhan as dangerous. Especially considering how close the election will be between Boris Johnson and Ken Livingstone. Ken has in the past, changed London for the better,and I've personally thanked him for taking the burden of child fares away from my parents. But this election has made me feel uneasy about how Labour have fought this election in a tribal manner. Ken has actively stated his intent of lowering transport fares and re-instating EMA. Is that it?
People fail to realise is with preferential voting, I have the luxury of supporting the underdog in this occasion.Someone whose policies can revolutionise London for the better. So remember. Vote Siobhan as your first preference, and Ken Livingstone as your second!
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