Vikrant Shekhawat : Oct 13, 2024, 01:00 AM
US Presidential Election: The presidential elections in America are near, and voting is going to take place here on November 5. This time's election is especially important because two major wars are going on in the world right now - the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, in which Iran has also joined now. America is supporting Ukraine and Israel in these wars, but this support is also proving to be a challenge for the current Biden government.Democratic Party candidate Kamala Harris is afraid of losing the Muslim vote bank due to Israel's support against Hamas and Hezbollah in these wars. While Republican candidate Donald Trump does not get much support from Muslim voters living in America, this time the situation seems to be changing. Kamala Harris has to work hard to strengthen her position in Muslim-dominated states.Inclination and challenges of Muslim votersRecent surveys have made it clear that the priorities of Muslim voters are changing. Green Party candidate Jill Allen Stein may get huge support from Muslim voters, while Trump is also in second place in this race. Although Kamala Harris is 2-3% ahead of Trump in many national surveys, but Trump is leading in some states.The division of Muslim voters in states like Michigan can prove to be a big challenge for Kamala Harris. In these areas, resentment is being seen over the Biden government's support for Israel, which is weakening the chances of the Democrats. Support for Israel's attacks on Hamas and Hezbollah has caused anger in the Muslim community.Role of Muslim votersAmerican elections are now becoming like elections in India, where some communities can influence the election results in certain seats. According to a recent survey by the American Arab Institute, voters of Arab origin are very angry with the Biden-Harris administration and are reluctant to support the Democrats. The feeling of anger is even stronger in states like Michigan, where a large number of Arab-Americans live.Supporting Israel in the Gaza conflict has caused opposition to the Biden administration. Although Kamala Harris' candidacy has reduced this opposition to some extent, the Democrats are still not able to get full support from the Muslim vote bank. Many voters are also considering Jill Stein of the Green Party as an option.Changing priorities of Muslim votersSurveys show that 40% of Muslim voters in Michigan are supporting Jill Stein, while 18% are supporting Trump and only 12% are supporting Kamala Harris. In Arizona, Jill Stein has 35% support and Kamala Harris has 29% support. In Wisconsin, this figure is 44% for Jill Stein and 39% for Harris. Overall, Jill Stein seems to be ahead of Kamala Harris in these important states.Trump's popularity increasesOn the other hand, Trump's popularity is also increasing in Muslim communities. The news of the Yemeni American mayor of southeastern Michigan supporting Trump has created a stir in political circles. This situation is becoming a cause of great concern for Kamala Harris. The competition between the two parties has increased over the interests of the Arab and Muslim communities.Influence of Muslim population in AmericaThe Muslim community in America has a population of about 4.5 million, which is 1.3% of the total population. These include Muslims of Arab, Indian, and Pakistani origin. Arab Muslims are considered influential in America, whose population is around 3.5 million. Their number is the highest in a state like Michigan, which is around 2.5 lakh. This community has traditionally supported the Democrats, but the situation seems to be changing after the Gaza conflict.ConclusionThe role of Muslim voters in the US presidential election can prove to be very important this time. Kamala Harris is facing her challenge, while Trump and Green Party's Jill Stein are also increasing support among Muslim voters. As the elections are approaching, voters of the Arab and Muslim community can play a decisive role in American politics.