Charlie Bayliss, Express, August 12, 2016

Vote rigging in Muslim communities goes unchallenged because police are too scared of being “politically incorrect”, a damning Government report has revealed.

The study, headed by Sir Eric Pickles, found that authorities are not doing enough to stamp out bullying and religious intimidation among Asian authorities during the lead up to elections.

The report has even called for a dramatic overhaul of the electoral system, warning the “integrity of democracy” is at stake.

The Electoral Commission also came under fire for making the situation worse by encouraging the use of foreign language, with Sir Eric saying it “leaves the door open to fraud”.

Sir Eric was chosen by David Cameron to head-up the electoral fraud commission following the voting scandal in Tower Hamlets, East London.

Former mayor of Tower Hamlets Luftur Rahman was relieved of his position after he was found guilty of corrupt and illegal practices.

Last year’s general election was littered with accusations of radical Islamists pressuring voters at polling stations, reportedly claiming that voting was “un-Islamic”.

Stickers were also placed at some polling stations urging Muslims not to vote.

There have also been accusations of postal voting fraud in predominantly Asian areas, just years after a judge found evidence of fraud in Birmingham.

The report found police were unwilling to step in “because of a supposed fear of claims of ‘discrimination’” despite one voter being told he would “burn in hell” if he voted for the wrong candidate.

Sir Eric, a Government anti-corruption champion, said police did not act on tip-offs as they were “too concerned about being pro-active on some issues because of potential allegations of discrimination”.

Safe zones around polling stations, tougher ID checks, ending postal votes and tougher sentences for fraud should be introduced to stamp out electoral fraud, Pickles has said.

He said: “There are sometimes challenging issues over divisive community politics and ethnic-religious polarisation, but this is no excuse for failing to enforce British law and protect the integrity of our democratic process.

“The law must be applied equally and fairly to everyone. Integration and good community relations are undermined by the failure to uphold the rule of law and ensure fair play.”