Islam and Elections

2004 Background Paper (Continued)


Conclusions

The object of this workshop is not simply to discuss elections at a theoretical level, but to address the ways in which Islam as a religion may introduce special considerations into the construction of electoral institutions. The organizers would like to pose the following questions to help focus the deliberations:

  • Is an Islamic republic more or less desirable than a pluralist republic that permits Muslim religious parties to run for office? If more desirable, what institutions are necessary for calling a republic “Islamic”?
  • Do traditions such as shura and ahl al-hall wa’l-‘aqd provide sound bases for elective government? If shari‘a is understood as a basis for elective government, how should shari‘a be defined with respect to the legislative and judicial acts of that government?
  • How can people interested in instituting electoral government in Muslim countries best cope with the negative attitudes about Islam and politics prevailing in much of the world?
  • Is it desirable, or possible, for Muslim political parties and organizations to coordinate efforts to institute electoral government, or should each country determine its own particular system?

A workshop of a few days can only begin to explore the many questions surrounding Islam and elections. The workshop should, however, provide an opportunity for participants from many different parts of the Muslim world to come together and exchange views, which should in turn help educate those who read about the proceedings. Though Muslims have many different ideas about the proper relationship of Islam to the political order, they share a tradition that considers religion an important component of political life. At a time when the idea of participatory governance through electoral institutions is gaining acceptance worldwide as the best guarantee of rights and freedoms, and the best protection of interests of citizens, the workshop will seek new insights on melding the heritage of Islam with the ideals of participatory governance.

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