AN extremist Islamist group held a press conference in Chingford to say it would be against the Koran for Muslims to vote in the general election.

Al Ghurabaa, allegedly behind the disruption at George Galloway's political hustings in Bethnal Green last week, have adopted the catch phrase, "Stay Muslim, Don't Vote".

At the meeting on Friday in the Express Holiday Inn, they advised Muslims in Waltham Forest that accord-ing to the Koran, voting is not allowed and no-one should take part in any way in the elections.

A statement issued by the group said: "It is not allowed for Muslims to be part of Parliament or to participate in it, whether by being a candidate, an MP, a worker to maintain it, a chef or cook for people involved, or work in any kind of administrative position or any other service in it."

The group says legislation cannot be carried out by the people for the people, but only by Allah himself.

A spokesman said they would like to see a future UK as an Islamic state run under Sharia law, a code of living for Muslims which can be implemented to varying degrees.

Sajid Sharif, a member of the group said: "We will have our own schools, our own slaughtering systems and our own funeral ceremonies, just as the Jews do in this country."

Al Ghurabaa, who strongly criticised the UK and USA for going to war in Iraq, have promised to step up their activities as the election approaches. They were unable to explain what benefit disrupting the campaign of the most vociferous anti-war candidate, George Galloway, would have for the people of Iraq.

They said their main motivation was to steer Muslims away from disobeying the Koran.

Muhammed Munir Khan, director of Waltham Forest Race Equality Council (REC) and a practising Muslim,, said: "It's absolutely wrong that the Koran says we cannot vote.

"The democratic system is not in conflict with Islam or Muslim society and if we are living within such a system it is important that we should take part.

"I have not heard any imam saying we should not vote."