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The organisation Anâ-Muslim ("I am Muslim") is calling for a boycott of France's local elections via its website, social network and brochures. Our Observer tells us more about who is behind this Salafist group.
Anâ-Muslim is a nonprofit organisation recognised by the French state. Its members share their vision of Islam on the organisation's website, on its Facebook and Twitter pages, and on YouTube. A few days ago, Anâ-Muslim called on Muslims to boycott French municipal elections, which will take place on March 23 and 30. They explain this decision by using various religious arguments and by saying that for a Muslim person, "voting is an act of submission … while abstaining is an act of resistance".
On its website, the organisation explains that this campaign is aimed at Muslim people between 18 and 40 years old. They argue that refusing to participate in French politics is a way to "preserve their faith": "Voting means recognising the power of men on earth and giving them absolutely sovereignty to create their own laws that have nothing to do with Islam." The organisation's goal, as described in their mission statement, is to "teach Islam to Muslims … because Muslims are the only ones who can control their destiny … and contribute to Islam's resurgence so that humanity may be saved".