A Shari’a Court Judge, Bashir Hassan Bashir, has warned that the FCT elections should preferably not be scheduled during the period of Ramadan, especially in a country with a large Muslim population.
“I am of the opinion that it is better not to schedule elections during the month of Ramadan, especially in a country with a large Muslim population.”
According to Bashir, a major concerns is the physical difficulty associated with fasting.
“Election days often involve standing in long queues under the hot sun, which can cause fatigue and weakness for those who are fasting,” he said.
Additionally, he clarified that Ramadan is a time of heightened devotion, which includes prayers, Qur’anic recital, and other acts of worship. He claimed that this might limit people’s mobility and involvement in public life.
The judge went on to say that since people wouldn’t have to deal with the mental and physical strain of fasting, elections held before or after Ramadan would boost turnout.
“Fixing elections outside Ramadan can bring greater ease, fairness and wider participation, not only for Muslims but for the democratic process as a whole,” he stated.
Bashir however maintained that if the FCT election date is not adjusted, Muslims can still combine their religious duties with their civic responsibility by taking practical steps.
Additionally, he urged them to take good care of their health by having a nutritious breakfast, drinking enough of water before daybreak, and, if at all possible, sleeping after casting their ballots.
The judge also exhorted Muslims to continue acting with good intentions, seeing voting as a method to pursue the nation’s common good and a social duty.
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