UMNT Encourages the Australian Muslim Community in the NT to Enroll and Vote in the Upcoming Territory Election

COMMUNITY STATEMENT

United Muslims of Northern Territory (UMNT) strongly encourages eligible Australian Muslims in NT to enroll and exercise their civil right to vote in the upcoming 2024 Territory Election.

According to the NT Electoral Commission Website:

“Voting is compulsory in Northern Territory Legislative Assembly and local government elections. If you are an Australian citizen aged 18 years or more, you are required to enroll and vote in federal, State and local government elections and by-elections. If you do not vote, you may receive a penalty notice.”

Territory Election will be held on 24 August 2024

Voting is also an important opportunity whereby you can have your voice heard. Therefore, it is essential to cast a valid vote. Doing so is also consistent with our duty to give political and representative leaders advice, and support those persons who show themselves to be trustworthy and of benefit to the country, Territory, State and Australian people. This may require voting to remove those public officers who do not fulfil their duty, serve their constituents and bring harm to our society, for instance, by promoting xenophobia, inequity, racism and marginalisation of any community.

UMNT urges everyone to check the candidates in their Territory electorate and carefully consider their positions. Attention should be paid to the following matters, by way of example, when reviewing the different policy positions: employment opportunities, health, education, law enforcement, safeguarding against religious discrimination and freedom, Religious Vilification, Islamophobia and Right-Wing Extremism, Social Justice, promotion of diversity, Economy, Infrastructure, Roads and Public Transport and so on.

UMNT team has communicated with the three large parties in the NT with regards to values that we seem most pertinent in the next election. Please see the below score card as well as responses from each party representative.

UMNT Score Card

Voting is an important aspect for Australians. It is essential that the Muslim community engages with the processes of the country and NT and contributes towards its advancement and the improvement of the lives of all of its citizens. Voting demonstrates that Australian Muslims can have an important say in the direction, political landscape and future of the country and NT.

You should also encourage your family and friends to vote. If you are bilingual, please consider assisting those who need help in understanding the voting processes.

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