The upcoming Wyndham Council elections have raised ethical concerns about attempts by certain groups to influence the political process through religious or ideological lenses. One such example involves Muslim Voters of the West, a community organisation claiming to represent over 30,000 members, although these members are not necessarily residents of Wyndham.
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The group, led by Kashif Salman, Convener of Muslim Voters of the West, distributed a questionnaire to council candidates and plans to share the results with their members in the form of a scorecard. While community engagement is crucial, the process of scoring candidates based on perceived “correct” answers to sensitive or religiously charged questions raises serious ethical concerns.
At the heart of the matter is whether it is appropriate for any group to control or unduly influence candidates’ responses, particularly on issues that extend beyond the responsibilities of local government. This scoring system risks dividing the community by prioritising the views of a particular religious group over broader, more inclusive considerations. Politics should serve the entire community, not just align with the beliefs of a specific group.
Wyndham, with its diverse population, needs a balanced approach to governance. However, when religious ideologies attempt to infiltrate the political landscape by holding candidates to a set of specific beliefs or positions, it risks alienating both candidates and voters who may not share those views. This raises the question: should religion be used to influence who is deemed suitable to represent a multicultural city like Wyndham?
Unethical Scoring and Misplaced Focus
One of the most contentious aspects of the questionnaire is question 6, which asks candidates to “Briefly outline your position on the ongoing conflict in Gaza.” This issue falls far outside the realm of local government responsibilities. As Dean Hurlston, President and CEO of Council Watch Inc., rightly points out:
“Many voters in Wyndham from a range of cultural and ethnic backgrounds are deeply affected by global events. The role of local government is a supportive and impartial one. Local Councils should never enter the debate, the choosing of sides, the supporting of one over another. In this context, it is wholly inappropriate for any group of people to seek a pledge to commit to actions that are partisan in an international matter. The federal government is charged with any and all international positions, not local councils.”
This underscores the absurdity of expecting local candidates to voice opinions on international conflicts. Local councils have no jurisdiction over matters like Gaza, and asking candidates to comment on such issues distracts from their primary role—focusing on the needs of the community. Issues such as housing, transportation, and infrastructure are where local councils can and should make a difference.
Fair Representation for All
While it’s essential for community organisations to engage with elected officials, attempts to influence local elections by scoring candidates based on partisan or religious views erode the fairness of the process. Hurlston further states:
“Local Councils should ensure they provide access to safe, inclusive and non-judgmental places and events that seek to promote social cohesion. As part of supporting all community members, Councils should consider making available any support services that could assist any person experiencing grief, trauma, or despair.”
This approach highlights the true role of local government—to support all community members equally, without bias or favouritism. Candidates should be evaluated based on their capacity to serve Wyndham’s diverse population, not their views on international conflicts. Introducing religious or ideological scoring into the election process undermines the democratic principle of equal representation for all.
Wyndham’s future depends on electing council members who prioritise the local community, free from external influence or agendas that do not align with the council’s role. It is vital for the voters of Wyndham to ensure that religion and international issues are not used as litmus tests for those standing for office. Instead, candidates should be judged on their ability to address the real, local challenges that affect the everyday lives of Wyndham’s residents.
