Poll: Muslims favor democracy, if rooted in Islamic principles

WASHINGTON -- A new Gallup Poll of Muslim nations found that nearly 80 percent of Muslims surveyed were in favor of having a democratic regime, as long as it is rooted in Islamic principles, or Shariah.

The 2006 World Poll of countries in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia also indicates that the best way to minimize anti-Western sentiment would be for the United States to recognize electoral victories by religious parties in democratic elections.

"The [U.S.] government should support any party committed to the rules and norms of the democratic process," Dalia Mogahed, executive director of the Gallup Center for Muslim Studies, said at a news conference Jan. 23.

"Free elections are likely to keep producing religion-based parties, especially in the Arab world," Mogahed said. "Islam clearly will have to play a role in society as it moves forward."

"In some cases," she said, "a vote for religious parties ... may mean a vote against corruption or tyranny rather than a vote for theocracy."

Although Muslims said the United States is the country that gives its citizens the most liberty, the Muslim world still views America as politically domineering, culturally disrespectful and as a promoter of acute conflicts, such as Iraq.

"The U.S. is seen as a beacon of liberty and democracy, but at the same time it is most often seen as hypocritical," said Mogahed.

The quality Muslims most admired in their own countries was religiosity. Most said they believe Islam is the key to progress for their countries.

But they also indicated that countries with large Muslim populations must work to be more flexible, reduce extremism and portray Islam more positively in order to promote understanding between the two regions.

The Gallup Poll was conducted in Egypt, Pakistan, Jordan, Bangladesh, Morocco, Iran, Indonesia, Turkey, Lebanon and the Palestinian territories.

--Religion News Service

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