Muslim candidates make mark in Australia: 1 victory, 4 narrow misses

Muslim candidates achieve a significant win and strong finishes in Australia’s 2025 federal elections, highlighting their growing political influence

CANBERRA (MNTV) – Australia’s recent elections marked a notable rise in Muslim political engagement, with at least 12 Muslim candidates contesting seats nationwide. 

One candidate won, while four others finished as strong runners-up and three placed third in tightly fought races. 

Palestinian-Australian Basem Abdo of the Australian Labor Party became the only Muslim candidate to secure a victory, earning his first term as MP for Calwell.

He becomes the first Australian MP of Palestinian origin.

His campaign focused on revitalizing local manufacturing, creating secure jobs, and improving access to education and healthcare. 

Abdo emphasized the importance of investing in the local workforce and supporting industry growth to ensure Australia’s capacity to produce domestically. 

Born in Kuwait to Palestinian parents, his family sought refuge in Jordan during the Gulf War before migrating to Australia in 1991. 

Abdo’s journey from a working-class immigrant to a federal MP underscores his commitment to education, secure jobs, and community development.

While Abdo avoided publicly commenting on Palestine during his campaign due to the pervasive Islamophobia present in the country, he underscored the importance of self-determination for Palestinians, stating: “I would leave the future of a Palestinian state to the Palestinian people.” 

His victory is a testament to his deep connection with Calwell’s diverse residents, where nearly 25% identify as Muslim.

Notably, Australia’s Labour Party has secured a second consecutive term in office, with the incumbent Prime Minister returning to power in an election result that closely echoes recent developments in Canada. 

In both countries, centre-left parties have held their ground, pointing to a broader international trend: a steady consolidation of centre-left politics in response to policies of the U.S. President Donald Trump.

In more than 20 federal electorates, the estimated 650,000 voting-age Muslims emerged as potential kingmakers, underscoring the growing political influence of the community nationwide.

Amid rising Islamophobia and challenges surrounding the Gaza genocide, Muslim candidates excelled, securing notable victories and strong finishes.

Muslim candidates’ performance

Muslim candidates achieved diverse outcomes in the elections:

• Winner:
  • Basem Abdo (Australian Labor Party, Calwell, Victoria): 22,961 votes (30.67%).
• Runner-ups:
  • Ziad Basyouny (Independent, Watson, NSW): 10,974 votes (15.57%).
  • Ahmed Ouf (Independent, Blaxland, NSW): 14,919 votes (20.58%).
  • Usman Ghani (Liberal Party of Australia, Calwell, Victoria): 11,637 votes (15.55%).
  • Zahid Safi (Liberal Party of Australia, Bruce, Victoria): 19,588 votes (22.71%).
• Third-place finishers:
  • Remah Naji (Australian Greens, Moreton, Queensland): 16,898 votes (22.01%).
  • Zakir Alam (Liberal Party of Australia, Watson, NSW): 10,156 votes (14.41%).
  • Adam Abdur Razak (Australian Greens, Burt, WA): 9,493 votes (11.04%).

Ziad Basyouny: The doctor who stood tall

Dr. Ziad Basyouny, an Egyptian-born general practitioner, ran as an independent in Watson, NSW. 

Despite limited resources, he secured a strong runner-up position, challenging Labor heavyweight Tony Burke. 

Basyouny’s campaign focused on affordable healthcare and community investment, resonating with a diverse electorate.

Basyouny also condemned the Australian government’s stance on Gaza, signing a United Muslim community statement calling for stronger support for Palestinian rights. 

His candidacy highlighted the rising demand for independent voices advocating for justice and marginalized communities.

Ahmed Ouf: The grassroots advocate

Ahmed Ouf, an Egyptian-born pharmacist and community leader, ran independently in Blaxland, a Labor stronghold. 

Known for his advocacy on affordable housing, healthcare, and unemployment, Ouf secured second place. 

His decision to enter politics was driven by personal experiences, notably the lack of adequate swimming facilities for his disabled son, highlighting broader concerns about community infrastructure and services. 

This grassroots involvement laid the foundation for his federal campaign.

His vocal stance on Palestine and efforts to unite diverse faith communities garnered significant grassroots support.

Ouf emphasized the need for genuine representation, stating, “You need someone with an accent in Canberra. You need someone with dark skin, an immigrant, someone from a minority, who is independent and can speak freely, in Canberra, representing this area.”

Although he did not win the seat, his performance highlighted a growing appetite for independent representation in areas traditionally dominated by major parties. 

Remah Naji: A Palestinian trailblazing voice

Remah Naji, a Palestinian-Australian social worker and activist, ran as the Greens candidate in Moreton, Queensland, finishing third. 

Born to refugee parents displaced during the Nakba, Naji’s campaign centered on affordable housing, healthcare, and climate action.

Naji’s candidacy reflects the increasing political engagement of young, progressive Muslims in Australia. 

The rise of Muslim candidates showcases the community’s resilience and determination to voice their concerns on critical issues such as Palestine, Islamophobia, and local community well-being. 

As Australia moves forward, the contributions of these candidates will undoubtedly shape the nation’s future.