Question Summary:
Jazakallah for the detailed response, not sure if you read imam Awlaki’s thoughts on voting – obviously he directs it at a USA perspective, what

Question Detail:

Jazakallah for the detailed response, not sure if you read imam Awlaki's thoughts on voting - obviously he directs it at a USA perspective, what
are your thoughts? www.anwar-alawlaki.com
I'm in two minds after reading your reply & reading awlaki's thoughts. Since theres a doubt, personally i will refrain from it and at the same time not talk bad or condemn the muslims that do vote. 

Answer :

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
Assalaamu `alaykum waRahmatullahi Wabarakatoh
We have read the comments made by Sheikh Anwar al-Awlaki on the link provided, and do not concur with the approach employed by the Shaikh.
Firstly, all the arguments the Shaikh has raised are based on the rationale that our participation in voting is a tacit acceptance on our behalf to play by the rules of the democratic system. This rationale is incorrect, as we have clarified in our former response that if we go by this rationale, then our living in the country and paying of taxes to the government will also mean that we support the evils of the country. Hence, we will be left with no option but to leave the country for another country that does not incorporate such evils. However, if we do not accept this rationale and justify our staying in the country, then we will have to abide by their existing system. 
Secondly, once we have opted to reside in the country, then we would rather vote for such members that will advance our views and help the course of Islam and minimize harm on ourselves. If we opt not to vote, then we are in fact benefiting the party we do not wish to be elected. For example, if 2 million Muslims were to vote for party A, but were discouraged to do so; then party A would lose out 2 million votes which would benefit party B, who would otherwise be lagging by 2 million votes. Hence, by voting we are actually selecting a party that would be less harmful to Islam; and by not voting we are giving preference to the party that would be more detrimental to Islam.
Moreover, what we have mentioned is also in accordance the principle of Islam which states that if we are faced with a situation in which we have to choose from one of the two evils, then we should choose the lesser evil.
ثم الأصل في جنس هذه المسائل أن من ابتلي ببليتين وهما متساويتان يأخذ بأيتهما شاء وإن اختلفتا يختار أهونهما
(Al-Ashbah wa al-Nazair Pg.90 – Qadeemi Kutub Khana)
And Allah knows best
Wassalam
Ml. Abu Yahya,
Student Darul Iftaa
Checked and Approved by:
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
Darul Iftaa, Madrassah In'aamiyyah