09/05/2026
Beyond the Ballot: What Scarborough Southwest Taught Us
The September 3 by-election in Scarborough Southwest was about more than selecting a new Member of Provincial Parliament. It tested democratic engagement, reflected community values, and reminded residents what they expect from those who seek to represent them.
The election produced a clear winner. Congratulations to Fatima Shaban of the New Democratic Party on her victory. As one of the youngest voices to emerge in Ontario politics, she now carries the hopes and expectations of a diverse and dynamic riding.
Her victory did not happen overnight. It reflects years of visible community involvement, grassroots organizing, and public engagement. Long before the campaign began, Shaban was present in the community—attending events, listening to concerns, advocating for local issues, and building relationships. Her success sends a simple but important message: voters still value authenticity, accessibility, and a sustained commitment to public service.
In an age of widespread political cynicism, Scarborough Southwest voters showed that community engagement still matters.
At the same time, the election offers another lesson—one that extends beyond the final vote count.
Ahsanul Hafiz, the Liberal Party candidate, may not have won the seat, but his campaign deserves recognition. At a time when politics in many parts of the world is increasingly polarized and confrontational, Hafiz chose a different approach. His campaign was rooted in ideas, respectful dialogue, and positive engagement.
He reminded voters that political opponents are not enemies and that democracy is strengthened, not weakened, by disagreement conducted with civility. Throughout the campaign, he demonstrated respect for his competitors, confidence in the democratic process, and a willingness to engage with people whose views differed from his own.
His efforts energised Liberal supporters and improved the party's standing in the riding. He showed that leadership is defined not only by victory but also by conduct, integrity, and respect for the democratic process.
Recognition is also due to the other candidates who stepped forward to serve their community. Running for public office is never easy. It requires sacrifice, resilience, and a willingness to place one's ideas before public scrutiny. Their participation enriched the democratic conversation and gave residents meaningful choices.
One quality that stood out throughout the campaign was accessibility. Fatima Shaban remained approachable to residents and responsive to the media. She demonstrated a willingness to listen and engage, qualities that voters increasingly expect from their elected representatives. As she begins her tenure as MPP, many residents will hope that the accessibility she displayed during the campaign remains a defining feature of her public service.
The lesson is clear: elections are won not only through campaign signs, advertisements, and debates, but through trust. Communities place their confidence in leaders who show up consistently, listen sincerely, and remain connected to the people they represent—not only during election campaigns but throughout their public lives.
Ultimately, this by-election was about more than who won and who lost. It was about the values that underpin healthy democratic societies: participation, service, respect, accessibility, and community engagement.
Fatima Shaban showed how long-term involvement in a community can earn voters' trust. Ahsanul Hafiz demonstrated how political competition can be conducted with dignity, humility, and respect. Other candidates reminded us that civic participation remains the lifeblood of democracy.
For the residents of Scarborough Southwest, the real lesson of September 3 is that democracy works best when citizens remain engaged, leaders remain accessible, and communities remain united in their commitment to the common good.
The ballots have been counted, and the campaign signs will soon disappear. The challenge now belongs to all of us—to continue the conversations, strengthen our communities, and hold our elected representatives accountable.
That is the true work of democracy. And that is what Scarborough Southwest taught us last Thursday.
Emamul Haque
Editor, TV Metro Mail
[email protected]
