Internal tensions grow among campaigners in The Muslim Vote

Key campaigners are threatening to walk away from a grassroots group that is planning a showdown in federal electorates across Melbourne and Sydney.

Internal fractures are already growing in The Muslim Vote movement amid concerns the group is planning to target too many seats ahead of the next federal election.

Tensions are also beginning to flare over convener Sheikh Wesam Charkawi’s leadership with questions about his political nous.

Sources say some pro-Palestine campaigners are considering walking away from the grassroots push, sparking fears it could be over before it begins.

It comes after the Herald Sun revealed The Muslim Vote has a sole director, Mouhammed Kanan, from western Sydney.

Sheik Wesam Charkawi of The Muslim Vote movement.

The Muslim Vote, which describes itself as a political not religious campaign, is focused on creating a showdown in federal electorates across southwest Sydney and Melbourne where there is a high percentage of Muslims.

These include Labor-held seats of Watson and Blaxland in NSW, as well as Wills and Calwell in Victoria.

The collective believes the “Muslim vote alone is capable of forcing the current government into a minority government”.

One insider told the Herald Sun the campaign, which is asking for donations on its website, had a “pretty big war chest”.

The group is targeting Labor-held seats. Picture: NewsWire

But organisers, including Sheikh Wesam Charkawi, were ignoring advice to only run in a couple of seats.

Early talks about the movement’s reach proposed supporting campaigns and candidates which shared its “principles of justice and fairness” in 10 seats in New South Wales, six in Victoria, and more interstate.

Asked about the movement targeting Labor seats, Anthony Albanese said his MPs were working hard to deliver for their constituents.

Australia’s most influential imams will meet on Friday for the annual Islamic Convention of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.

The Muslim votes movement and WA Senator Fatima Payman’s resignation from Labor are expected to be discussed among topics about promoting peace and harmony, with more than 4000 people expected to attend.

Regional Victorian Imam Atif Zahid said the intention of the Muslim Votes movement to educate Australian voters was good.

But Mr Zahid said the community followed the Islamic principle of justice, adding that voting was a responsibility that must be conducted honestly.

He said Muslims weren’t bound to vote for a political party or member, instead the person who had the most moral values and was committed to the job.

“Your personal problem, or your personal grievances should not come into that and you should vote for the best person,” Mr Zahid said.

“Someone that will serve the interests of their nation, of their community, and not just for the Muslims.”

Originally published as Internal tensions grow among campaigners in The Muslim Vote