Hot topics at the elections

YESTERDAY, a row broke out at a Sikh Temple in Bristol among

rival factions during

the elections for a new management committee.

The differences were so serious that six riot police vans were

called to the scene in an effort to keep the peace between the

two sides.  Fishponds Road was closed for several

hours.

I must admit, when I first heard of the news, I had a quiet

chuckle to myself.

You see, the Sikh community is not alone in having election

days where people lose control of their senses and their

tempers. Similar incidents have also happened within the

Pakistani and Bangladeshi communities at their mosque committee

elections.

There is something about committee elections and people from

the Indian sub-continent – they simply don’t mix too

easily.

On the positive side, you have to admit that there is a

certain passion about elections among the electorate that even

Gordon Brown would be envious of. But, the passion is borne out

of serious frustrations among the public. 

There is a prevailing sense in these communities – and I

count myself among them – that we can do better, we can be

better; we just need better leaders, better representatives,

better-run institutions. 

When elections do finally come, people are eager to ring in

those changes. 

But the elections are often either poorly advertised or

restrictions included at the last minute, which make it

impossible for you to vote, only serving to add to your

frustration and feeling of disenfranchisement.

On the other hand, among those who have been elected onto

the management committee, probably back in the Seventies and

Eighties, there is a perception they were elected for life!

Despite elections being scheduled every two to four years, most

members of an existing board consider it a personal dishonour

if they are not elected for another term.

Their initial election is suddenly transformed into a

birthright, which must be protected, until death, only then to

be passed on to one’s heirs.

Simply though, it comes down to lack of willingness to trust

anyone else to do the job, and lack of ability to accept

criticism or recommendations.  Either way, things come to

a standstill.

For example, here’s an obvious issue that should have been

resolved a long time ago: the role of women in the management

committees of Gurdawaras, temples and Mosques. 

That was the issue behind the chaotic scenes on Sunday at the

Sikh Temple. All change is difficult, especially when people

are just not used to it.  But we as a city, must stand

solidly behind those who make stand for what is right. We can’t

afford to let them falter.

Only then can we give confidence to those who feel

disenfranchised, those who feel there is no point in getting

involved, and those who are resigned to say “it doesn’t matter

who you vote for, the management committee always wins”.