What is the ruling on elections, and are they permissible in Shari'ah?

The questioner : Shaykh, for the sake of Allah, if you would permit it, you have mentioned, and indeed all your words are important, but regarding the reality we are living in or experiencing now, which is: the reality of elections. It would be desirable, of course, if you have no objection, if you would speak to us with some detail about the topic of elections, whether they are permissible in Shari'ah, and what, I mean, what follows from this?

The Shaykh : We have tapes, and we have a published statement on this. There is no need to repeat the speech; what has been recorded is sufficient, if Allah wills.

The questioner : May Allah reward you with good.

The Shaykh : And beware of that.