A POSTER encouraging Newport residents not to vote for "man-made laws" has been labelled "stupid".

The notice, on a lamppost in James Street, Pillgwenlly, states that "none have the right to legislate except Allah", under the headline "Don't vote".

It is not known it first appeared but it includes the social media hashtag #DontVote4ManmadeLaw, and also warns that “democracy is a system whereby man violates the right of Allah" and that “Islam is the only real workable solution for the UK”.

The sign is located nearby the Taqwa Mosque, in Alexandra Street, but has been condemned by Muslim community leaders.

Newport's Mubarak Ali, the secretary of the Islamic Society for Wales, said: "This is unhelpful but I am confident that most of the community will ignore such a stupid message.

"I suspect it was put up by radical types who are trying to cause trouble - they are not welcome in Newport. Most people in Newport get on well regardless of their background and build strong relationships.

"Democracy is important among all faiths and backgrounds in our city."

Omar Ali is a city councillor for Pillgwenlly.

He added: "I am aware of this poster. This is the work of a tiny, tiny fringe of our community and we must not give them any attention.

"We have bigger issues to address in Pill, like flytipping, rubbish, drug-dealing and prostitution. These are our priorities."

In April last year, similar posters attracted attention in Cardiff in the run-up to the UK General Election.

Cardiff council’s cleansing team took down the posters in the multicultural ward, with the authority stating that any religiously-motivated or offensive stickers would be removed as a priority.

Newport City Council were unavailable for comment when contacted.

While the poster made no specific reference to the National Assembly Elections, members of the public will go to the polls on Thursday, May 5, in what will be the fifth election for the National Assembly, following previous counts in 1999, 2003, 2007 and 2011.