In a surprising turn of events during the recent mayoral election in Queens, Zohran Mamdani, a candidate backed by a network of foreign influences, has raised eyebrows among local voters. While his campaign showcased a vibrant community effort, reports reveal that it was heavily coordinated from abroad, raising questions about the integrity of the electoral process.
Mamdani’s campaign appeared to thrive on grassroots support, particularly from a group of Bangladeshi women affectionately dubbed "Bangladeshi aunties." They mobilized their neighbors, knocking on doors and making phone calls, presenting Mamdani as one of their own. However, the organizer of this effort, Kazi Fouzia, has connections to foreign revolutionary movements and has advocated for Islamist-Maoist ideals, according to a report by the New York Post.
Investigations show that what seemed like local enthusiasm was actually a well-orchestrated campaign funded and influenced by foreign entities. This included the use of American nonprofits as a means to channel foreign interests into the election. The campaign’s marketing strategy was so effective that it created the illusion of a spontaneous movement, drawing in national attention.
As the campaign progressed, it became clear that foreign money and propaganda were at play. Analysis of social media engagement revealed that by the end of the campaign, less than half of Mamdani’s online interactions came from American users, a stark contrast to the initial majority of domestic engagement. On platforms like TikTok, pro-Mamdani content surged significantly beyond what would be expected organically, while content supporting his opponent, former Governor Andrew Cuomo, saw a decline.
On the ground, the supposed grassroots turnout was linked to foreign political movements rather than organic community efforts. Organizations such as DRUM and DRUM Beats claimed responsibility for mobilizing a substantial number of South Asian and Indo-Caribbean voters, with a notable increase in voter turnout in Bangladeshi precincts.
Key figures in the campaign were connected to the Haqooq-e-Khalq Party, a Pakistani socialist group that draws inspiration from revolutionary movements in Cuba and China. This connection to foreign political ideologies raises concerns about the authenticity of the voter mobilization efforts.
The campaign’s operations were significantly supported by Neville Roy Singham, a billionaire with ties to the Chinese Communist Party, who has been accused of facilitating foreign influence in American politics. His nonprofit, The People’s Forum, became a central hub for Mamdani’s campaign, providing resources, organizers, and strategic messaging. Singham’s niece even launched a group called Jews for Zohran to bolster support among critical voter demographics.
This situation highlights a growing concern about foreign influence in American elections. As foreign powers exploit divisions within the U.S. and leverage technology to sway public opinion, the Mamdani campaign serves as a case study in how these tactics can manifest in local elections. The implications of this campaign extend beyond Queens, suggesting a broader challenge for democracy in America as foreign interests seek to shape political outcomes.
The Network Contagion Research Institute, which studies the intersection of technology and society, has noted the significant impact of these foreign influences on civic engagement in the United States. As the dust settles from this election, the need for vigilance and transparency in the electoral process has never been more critical.
