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Conservative candidate Abdul Abdi was a no-show at an all-candidates’ debate Friday in Ottawa West-Nepean organized by the Muslim Association of Canada.

His absence was surprising because Abdi, who had participated in an all-candidates’ debate the previous night, presumably should be eager to cultivate support among those who share his Muslim faith.

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In an email Friday night, Abdi’s campaign manager, Austin Jean, wrote that he had informed debate organizers six days earlier that the Tory candidate would be unavailable to take part.

“He has made himself available to dialogue with voters from the Muslim community by attending and speaking at mosques throughout the city,” Jean wrote. “This happens almost every Friday including earlier today.”

Christian Heritage candidate Rod Taylor was not invited to the event.

Abdi’s absence was certainly noted by the 50 or so people, predominantly Muslim, who showed up for the discussion between the four candidates who participated — Liberal Anita Vandenbeld, New Democrat Marlene Rivier, Green candidate Mark Brooks and Marxist-Leninist Sam Heaton.