The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and a prominent Muslim organization in Kerala have jointly requested the Election Commission to consider postponing the Lok Sabha elections scheduled for April 26. Their appeal is based on the significance of Friday as a sacred day for the Muslim community, known as Jumu'ah when Muslims gather in mosques for prayers.
PMA Salam, the state general secretary of IUML, highlighted that holding elections on April 26, which falls on a Friday, would pose challenges and inconvenience to voters, election officials, and polling agents, particularly in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, another influential Muslim organization in Kerala, echoed similar concerns about the potential impact of Friday elections on voter turnout and the participation of officials on duty.
The organization emphasized the importance of Jumu'ah prayers, stating that it is a religious obligation for the entire Muslim population in the region. As such, they have formally requested the Election Commission to consider rescheduling the polling date for April 26.
The Election Commission had earlier announced that the 2024 Lok Sabha elections would be conducted in seven phases from April 19 to June 1, with results scheduled to be declared on June 4.
