The Canadian government has put forward a proposal to adjust the date of the national elections scheduled for October 20 next year. The move aims to accommodate Hindus and other faith communities celebrating the festival of Diwali. The proposal suggests shifting the polling date to October 27, a week later, to avoid a clash with the significant religious observance.
The proposed reform is part of a package of amendments to the Elections Act, presented in the House of Commons this week. The Democratic Institutions department, in a press release, highlighted that the bill seeks to enhance voter participation by avoiding conflicts with religious holidays. Alongside moving the fixed date election in 2025 to the following Monday to avoid Diwali, the bill includes other measures aimed at bolstering democratic processes.
The proposal has been positively received by the Hindu community in Canada. Kushagr Sharma, vice-president of the Canadian Hindu Chamber of Commerce (CHCC), emphasized the impact of scheduling conflicts on civic engagement. He cited a 5% decrease in voter turnout during municipal elections in Ontario last year when the date coincided with Diwali. Sharma stressed the importance of considering cultural and religious observances to ensure inclusivity in the democratic process.
While welcoming the proposed reform, Hindu community leaders have also highlighted the need for more substantive measures to combat Hinduphobia. Rishabh Sarswat, president of the Canadian chapter of the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA), expressed concerns about potential risks to the community during the election period, particularly in light of past attacks by Khalistani protesters around Diwali. CoHNA Canada has called for concrete steps to ensure the safety of the Hindu community and address systemic issues impacting them.
According to leaders within the Hindu community, there appears to be a concerted effort from the ruling Liberal Party to court their support for the upcoming national elections. This comes amidst a perceived shift of the Hindu community towards the opposition Conservative Party, driven by concerns over the government’s stance towards pro-Khalistani elements. Negative sentiment has grown following tensions between Canada and India, particularly concerning the killing of separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, British Columbia, last year.
In summary, the proposal to adjust the date of the national elections in Canada to accommodate Diwali reflects a commitment to inclusivity and recognition of the cultural and religious diversity within the country. However, alongside this positive step, there are calls for broader action to address challenges faced by the Hindu community, including issues of safety and representation in the political landscape.
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