Sajjad Karim has called for action on postal vote fraud, but he has been accused of ‘using fear tactics’ to stop people, in particular Asian residents from taking part in the democratic process.

Sajjad Karim MEP has recently expressed concerns about vote fraud across the county, calling on local Police to act to protect electors to ensure they are able to complete their own vote according to their own wish.

In the Pendle election Andrew Stephenson is looking to hold on to his seat against Azhar Ali.

The constituency has a high Asian electorate particularly in the Nelson and Brierfield towns and some see this as a clever ploy to instill a level of fear into Asian residents. It is also seen as questioning the validity of 'Asian votes'.

Cllr Mohammed Iqbal said, “The comments by Saj Karim are a clear attempt by him and his party to use fear tactics to stop people engaging in the democratic process.

“I have spoken to many people and they are determined to send the Tory party a clear message on 7 May via the ballot box - democracy cannot be defeated by baseless attacks by the Tories!”.

Sajjad said on his website, “Despite concerns from the Electoral Commission and the Police, Labour liberalised the post vote system in 2001, meaning anyone on the electoral register could have a postal vote.

“Since then the number of people using absent votes has shot up over 200% in some constituencies.

“The numbers have gone up dramatically in every constituency but particularly in seats with substantial Asian electorates.”

“But the current system has not boosted turnout or simplified the process, particularly for vulnerable people” he said. “It gives on opportunity for certain political activists to commit fraud on these communities.”

There seems to have been a concerted effort by Conservative party supporters to single out postal vote fraud as an issue affecting the Labour party. But are not the postal vote issues highlighted likely to be just as prevalent within any other party?.

If what Mr Karim says is true then it is also to be an issue therefore within Asian Conservative Party supporters?

What is evident from recent campaigns is that within the Asian community campaigning remains very similar. Regardless of which party one supports Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrats are likely to use the ‘beradari and caste system’ to garner votes.

Mr Karim adds on website, “Do not allow anyone to put pressure on you to vote for a particular candidate or political party.

“If anyone asks you to fill in someone a postal vote other than your own or to give them your postal vote so they can fill it in for you, be sure to refuse and contact the Police”.

One voter, Nighat sensed this was about widely-held views about how Asian women voted. She told us, “The vast majority of us are born and brought-up here and I find it patronising we are still talking about us as if we don’t even know who we are voting for.

“Asian women in particular are able to make their own decisions thank you very much and won’t be pressured by anyone!

“I thank Mr Karim for his advice but we are all fully aware of the rules and regulations about elections.”