BERLIN, Sept 22 (IslamOnline & News Agencies) - The majority of German Muslims went to the ballot boxes Sunday, September 22, 2002, with a clear choice; Gerhard Schroeder, candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). They are also worried his rival Edmund Stoiber, candidate of the Christian Democratic Party (CDP), might make it, due to his declared anti-Arab and anti-Muslim slogans.

A poll among German Muslims, carried out by "German Broadcast Radio", shows that they favors Schroeder due to the "moderate policies" he adopts towards them, and toward causes of the Middle East, especially Iraq.

Schroeder declared repeatedly that he opposed any military action against Iraq, even under the United Nations' umbrella. "The Middle East needs a plan of peace, not a plan of war," Schroeder declared.

Arabs and Muslims account only for 2% of the German population, however, they intend to vote for Schroeder, in support for his plans, which envisage a German state more tolerant towards various cultures, ethnic groups, and religions.

On the other camp, Stoiber calls for tightening immigration rules, under his declared slogan; "Less immigration, More integration".

Stoiber's statements stirred deep concerns, not just for Muslims, but also for other minorities as well, according to Bild Magazine, Saturday, September 21.

However, Joshca Fisher, leader of Greens Party, tried to calm down fears during his last campaign tour with Schroeder on Thursday, September 19. He expressed his fury when he met an Indian lady who told him that she wanted to study in Germany, but feared for her safety.

"I felt really ashamed. We want a tolerant Germany, open for all," Fisher said.

Standing by his side, Schroeder added, "I hope Germany will raise the slogan of ending anti-foreign sentiments in Europe".

Some 2.61 million Germans headed for ballot boxes at 8 am Sunday, to choose their representatives, in the 15^{th general elections, organized since World War II, and the 4th since Germany was reunited.}