New Muslim-Centered Movement Started to Urge Labor Government Action on Palestine
Muslim Votes Matter emphasizes that its movement could impact 20 seats nationwide.
A grassroots political movement focusing on the Gaza crisis has officially launched in Australia.
Launching on Sept. 1 in Melbourne, Muslim Votes Matter (MVM) aims to replicate the success of the “Teal” movement from the 2022 federal election.
Unlike the Teal movement, which targeted affluent Liberal Party seats, MVM will target voters in areas with high Muslim populations, such as Sydney and Melbourne.
Instead of domestic issues, MVM will focus on the perceived lack of Labor government support for the Palestinian movement.
The group intends to impact 20 seats across Australia, challenging candidates who ignore their community’s concerns and supporting those who prioritize them, according to MVM spokesperson Naser Alziyadat.
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Alziyadat stated, “In the last 25 years, no federal government has won by more than a 15-seat majority. This puts us in a strategic position to back candidates who address our concerns and challenge those who overlook our community.”
The group highlighted the significant size and growth rate of the Muslim community in Australia.
“Our united voting power has great potential,” added Alziyadat.
Ghaith Krayem, MVM’s national representative, condemned mainstream media for perpetuating Islamophobia.
Krayem further emphasized, “Muslims in Australia are professionals in various fields such as healthcare, law, education, and community services, proving our diverse contributions to society.”
The movement took root following the October 7, 2023 surprise attack by Hamas on Israeli targets, forcing the Labor government to navigate between supporting its constituents in Muslim-heavy areas like western Sydney and condemning Hamas internationally.
