From the main contemporary scholars such as Sheikh Ibn Baz (May Allah have mercy upon him) they did not consider elections in and of themselves haram. Many people confuse voting which is a form of selection, with endorsement. Selecting a candidate from a number of candidates does not mean that you endorse all the candidates' principles, beliefs and views. In many cases by voting you are selecting the lesser of two evils. It also does not mean that you endorse all the principles of western democracy. In fact selecting a candidate who represents the lesser of two evils has nothing to do with creed (Aqeedah) or faith (Emaan).



The scholars unanimously agree that one of the main purposes of the shariah is to maximise the benefit and minimise the evil, and eliminate it if possible. Selecting a candidate in an election is simply a matter of choosing the lesser of two evils.



'Fear Allah as much as you can'



Most scholars agree this verse is an indication to fear Allah to the best of your ability. In some situations you may not be able to avoid the haram in which case the lesser of two evils must be chosen.



In reality there is really no such thing as abstaining from voting. By abstaining you will indirectly help the leading candidate hence there are some candidates who favour a low voter turnout.