Islam and Elections

2004 Report (Continued)


Conclusions

Preamble

At this important moment in the history of democracy in the Muslim world, the participants in this workshop unanimously affirm that Islam, in its central teachings, embodies and embraces constitutional, democratic, just, and accountable electoral government. They further affirm the following conclusions.

Human Rights

The participants call upon Muslim countries to respect fundamental rights and liberties such as freedom of speech, freedom of association and assembly, and freedom of religion. Such rights must be embodied in the constitutions of Muslim states. Muslim countries should also adopt and implement international instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and all international humanitarian laws. Non-state actors and NGOs must also be respectful of the fundamental rights and principles outlined in these documents.

Reservations requiring further discussion:

  • What institutions are needed to monitor and enforce respect for the rights outlined in constitutions?
  • Should Muslim authorities be called upon to harmonize religious tradition with international principles of human rights?

Pluralism

Political pluralism is highly desirable and compatible with Islam. Acceptance of political pluralism does not mean acceptance of views that are in clear violation of accepted human rights principles. Islam also recognizes that religious, ethnic, and linguistic pluralism is a fact of human existence, and it is respectful of the rights of all citizens in majority Muslim and non-majority Muslim societies.

Reservations requiring further discussion:

  • Are the principles contained in internationally binding instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights sufficient to define the boundaries of acceptable pluralism, or do Muslim societies require additional, specific parameters?
  • How does pluralism differ from, and can it be prevented from degenerating into, factionalism and conflict? In particular, what institutional mechanisms are required to turn pluralism into a positive force?

Constitutions

All countries, including Muslim countries need constitutions; these should be based on democracy and the rule of law. Constitutions must not violate the principles of Islam and should reflect Islamic values of just and good governance.

Reservations requiring further discussion:

  • Should constitutions declare Islam the state or official religion while recognizing the right of individuals to choose and practice other religions freely?
  • Should constitutions specify that no law can be enacted by the legislature that contradicts Islamic law, and if so, who has the authority to decide whether a law violates the tenets of Islam?
  • Can the political authority of the state embodied in the constitution be enhanced by restoring a central moral authority representing the Islamic community, which might help overcome doctrinal differences within Islam and achieve consensus on fundamental principles?

Elections

Elections are the best means to ensure popular participation and good governance. All countries should hold elections without waiting for optimal conditions created by high levels of economic, social, and educational development. Muslim peoples are entitled to free, fair, and credible elections now. At the same time, a process of civic education must be instituted to make citizens more aware of their rights and duties in a democratic system.

Technical issues concerning election mechanisms require careful analysis and discussion. These issues include the setting up of independent election commissions, the choice of voting systems, the delineation of electoral constituencies, and voter registration. A future workshop involving election authorities from Muslim majority and other countries may be needed to discuss rules, regulations, and procedures that will enable elections to be conducted in a nonpartisan manner and will legitimize their outcomes.

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