What is the Shariah's view on voting in democratic elections?

Answer

Democracy is a kaafir system. The laws fabricated by this system are in conflict with the Shariah. When one votes in this system, one is appointing/electing a person to fabricate/ make laws which are in conflict with the Shariah. It is therefore not permissible to vote in such elections. The Qur'aan Majeed states: "And, those who do not decree according to that (Shariah) which Allah has revealed, verily they are the kaafiroon."

However, if the situation in a country requires Muslims to vote for their own safety and welfare, then it will be permissible. For example, in India, the Congress Party is a secular organization which pledges freedom of religion while the extremist Hindu Party has sworn to convert Muslims to Hinduism and to transform the Musaajid into temples of idolatry. Furthermore, the Hindu extremists are behind the riots which lead to the slaughter and destruction of Muslims. In such a scenario it is necessary for the Muslims to vote for the secular party which is not hostile to Muslims. Such voting will be with the intention of securing the safety of Muslims, and not for the purpose of being participants in the kufr law-making process. If circumstances demand, there is scope for permissibility. But Muslims may not become part of the lawmaking process of the country. If there are Muslim members of parliament, it will be haraam for them to vote for any legislation which conflicts with the Shariah. If they do, they lose their Imaan,and this is precisely the status of most 'Muslim' members of parliament in all the countries, whether Muslim or non-Muslim. They all are murtads.