In 2010, Calgary elected the first Muslim mayor in Canada with Naheed Nenshi winning the race with 39 per cent of the vote. He was subsequently re-elected with 74 per cent, yet in a video circulating on social media last week, Nenshi played the race card.

Infusing identity politics into the upcoming municipal election, Nenshi suggested that those who don’t vote for him are racist.

Could it be due to the fact that there’s a strong chance he may be ousted by underdog turned front runner candidate, Bill Smith?

In a surprising twist in an otherwise boring campaign, Smith almost doubled his lead over Nenshi from 9 per cent to 17 per cent according to the latest Mainstreet Research poll.

While it may be convenient for Nenshi to blame his nosediving numbers on racism, the facts aren’t on his side.

Nenshi didn’t live up to the expectations of Calgarians and fell short delivering on his promises.

There are countless examples which include overtaxing and overspending, failing to complete major projects, and simply not being able to handle criticism.

Mayor Nenshi has been given seven years to prove his competency at Calgary City Hall and yet, nothing has changed.

Despite his divisive rhetoric, the only divide we’re going to see is at the polls on October 16.