'90 pc of American-Muslims to vote for Obama'

Washington, Oct 28: A prominent Muslim leader in the US has claimed that about 90 percent of American Muslims are expected to vote for Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama in the November 4 poll.

But, he chose not to reveal his identity, saying any open or overt expression of support from a Muslim group for Obama is 'likely to hurt' rather than help his bid for the White House. The statement comes ahead of the release of a Muslim-American voter survey by the American Muslim Taskforce in the next few days. According to the Daily Times, leading Muslim organisations and groups have been requested by Obama's supporters not to declare their support to the Democratic candidate openly as they fear it will be used to decry the senator as a 'crypto Muslim' or 'jihahidi manque,' so much paranoia about Islam and Muslims has been spread by neocon supporters of John McCain and certain radical, ultra conservative church and evangelical groups.

Agha Saeed of the American Muslim Taskforce on Universal Rights and Elections, reportedly said "Our goal is to maximise Muslim voter turnout, support candidates who support civil liberties, world peace, universal healthcare, better education, a fair immigration policy and social justice."

He added: "Even if better candidates were to win on November 4, it will take a long and determined effort to help restore America's promise, ideals and principles."

ANI