LONDON – As Britain goes to polls on Thursday, June 8, Muslim voters are expected to have a significant impact on results, amid expectations of affecting at least 39 constituencies.

“The Muslim community’s votes do really matter,” Miqdaad Versi, assistant secretary general of the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB), told Arab News on Thursday, June 8.

“If there is not much of a swing either way, then in these 39 constituencies, the Muslim (voter) turnout might play a very big role.”

Some of these seats could “be an important part of the overall puzzle after the election,” he added.

Millions of Brits are set to go out to vote on Thursday, with Prime Minster Theresa May and opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn the front-runners in a race that has divided the pollsters.

Historically, Muslim voters favored Labour party. Yet, Versi confirmed that the Muslim community is not one single “homogenous group,” with different people voting different ways.

“There is no one single Muslim vote. There is no block vote,” he said.

“Many Muslims do happen to have very similar views on certain issues,” he said, pointing to Labour.

These issues include concerns over Islamophobia in Britain and demands for the right to wear certain clothing and eat halal food.

“It is very much part of the democratic process for a member of parliament or a parliamentary candidate to consider the views of Muslim communities and of any of their constituents,” Versi said.

This election has also seen higher political engagement among UK Muslims, Versi said.

“This election has invigorated many Muslim communities — many want to get involved, many want to participate, many want to canvass and support one of the parties,” he said.

“I would not be surprised if the turnout from the communities in this election is higher than it has been previously.”