The election of
London’s new mayor, Sadiq Khan, is a cheerful news even for those who are not
really affected or concerned about the city’s affairs. It’s inspiring when one
of the greatest and a vibrantly multicultural cities of the world elects a
mayor purely on merit, one based on positive campaign and not identity.
Clearly, the
media is awash with headlines of London’s first “Muslim” and a “son of a bus
driver” mayor – a narrative that strongly constructs the elected mayor’s
identity. Such profiling with emphasis on religion is needless and using words
like “Londonistan” is at best shallow. It often reinforces the issues that voters
have chose to ignore at the first place.
In his victory speech,
Mr. Khan has said that the campaign was not without controversy; he thanked
voters for choosing “hope over fear” and “unity over division”.
Mr Khan’s mayoral
victory also is the triumphant moment for the city of London and also Britain
at large that has provided opportunities, created enabling environment for growth
and prosperity for millions like his family that choose to settle in the city
and had humble beginnings.
The victory symbolically
is significant in the backdrop of the EU migrant crisis, and the Paris attacks
earlier this year that fuelled fears that the foundations of multiculturalism in modern Europe is about to crumble. The
election reaffirms the finer values of equality, diversity and democracy. Londoners have strongly uphold these universal values, and provided a model worthy of emulation in other
places around the world. It is a great news for anyone that believes in these
values.
