In less than a month's time, Britain shall be going to the polls and deciding who should have the keys to Number 10. This election is likely to be the most closely fought in decades, and nobody quite knows what the outcome will be. Only one thing is for certain, and that is the ethnic minority vote has never been more powerful.
According to the 2011 Census, there are more than 3 million people of Asian heritage in the UK, and people of South Asian backgrounds can be found in constituencies throughout the country. In at least a quarter of all constituencies, the number of ethnic minority people who are able to vote is larger than the size of the incumbent candidate's majority. It is no surprise then that all of the political parties are working hard to make sure that they hear the concerns of ethnic minorities in the run up to May 7th.
A few days ago, the City Sikhs Network, the City Hindus Network and Asian Voice were proud to partner on an event which helped foster greater political engagement from the South Asian community in Britain. The event, called Hustings in the City, featured high ranking politicians from across the 5 main political parties. The panel included the Rt Hon Sajid Javid, the current Culture Secretary, for the Conservatives and Sadiq Khan, the Shadow Justice Minister, for Labour. The questions put to the panellists by our audience members reflected the passion and strength felt by many about issues that affect their daily lives.
Politics is not an aloof institution. It is not something that involves people living in ivory towers looking down on the masses whilst making sweeping decisions, even though it can sometimes feel that way. It is a democratic institution that everybody can be a part of, and political engagement comes in many different forms. It can be signing a petition for a new playground. It can be leading a campaign against the closure of a local hospital. It can even involve seeking to become an elected representative for your local community, be it as a Councillor or as an MP.
However, the simplest way to engage with the political system is by voting. If you are still undecided as to who to vote for, take your time to read through the manifestos from each of the parties and the leaflets from your local candidates carefully as the literature may help you to make your mind up. When it comes to the day of the General Election, all you need to do is put a cross next to the party that you believe most represents your political views. Your five minutes at the polling station could help decide the path that Britain takes for the next five years.
On May 7th, remember to vote. Every vote counts.
