Mobilised Black community ready to decide who wins Mayoral elections

Voter registration is up significantly 85% (up from 72%). The last poll undertaken by Prof. M Anwar 98 showed 28% of the Black community not registered. This is in fact the first increase in five years.

Intended voter turnout too is extremely high 79%

Voter awareness is 90%

Who gets the Black vote is mixed. The African and Caribbean vote goes to Ken Livingstone by 3-1.

The Asian vote goes to Frank Dobson by 3-2

Steve Norris gets 9% of the vote, whilst Susan Kramer 8%

Issues concerning the Black community differ from the white. Improving race relations is a bigger priority than transport. The Number one reason for young Black people not getting involved in the election is the lack of Black candidates.

Party Loyalty

82% from the African and Caribbean electorate support Labour. Down from 90% 65% from the Asian electorate support Labour. Down from 80%

Simon Woolley from OBV states: 'This is the breakthrough we have been waiting for. An organised mobilised Black electorate wielding the democratic stick. There is still a long way to go before we achieve representative democratic institutions but at least we have the clout to set the agenda.'

Lee Jasper chair of OBV states: 'The legacy of our hero Bernie Grant is the struggle for an equitable voice in British society. This is a wake -up call to the political parties that we demand to be listened to. And representation is key.'

Notes to the editor

The London elections are on May 4th 2000. One third of the capital's population are Black. This figure is projected to rise to 40% by 2004 according to Home Office figures.