Black Vote can decide who wins and who loses at General Election

With a general election looming marginal seats up and down the country show the size of the black population can swing the election in key areas, making the difference in who wins and who loses.

The research commissioned by Operation Black Vote demonstrates that up and down the country the collective political organisation and mobilisation of African, Asian, Caribbean, and other ethnic minorities can make a difference.

Below are some figures from seats included in the research:

Kingston and Surbiton-black population: 6000 Majority: 56 Milton Keynes NE-black population: 6500 Majority: 240 Harrow West-black population: 16000 Majority: 1300 Northampton South-black population: 3500 Majority: 744Enfield Southgate-black population: 8500 Majority: 1433Bradford West- black population: 20100 Majority: 3877

OBV Deputy Co-ordinator Ashok Viswanathan stated: "Never before has the Black community had a greater opportunity to show their political clout. The political parties should be quaking in their boots at the enormity of the black vote in key seats. What many in the community expect is for politicians to go in to the communities and answer questions about racism, policing, asylum laws and unemployment."

OBV Chair Lee Jasper added: "The black vote has major political clout. Just look at the figures. The political parties ignore us at their peril. But we're only a major force if we're registered to vote. We've until the 12th March to make sure we are. Only then can we organise and mobilise to be politically counted and make our voices heard. Our communities must always remember: Power is never given."

Notes to the editor

OBV's research has identified up to 100 seats where the marginality contrasted with the black population can decide the outcome of an election. The General Election is largely expected on either April 5th or May 3rd. 1 in four of the black community is not registered to vote. Over 1 in three do not vote. People can still register to vote for a May Election up to 12th March.