THE current committee of the Waltham Forest Islamic Association (WFIA) is poised to challenge the results of Sunday's election at the embattled Lea Bridge Road mosque.

The committee, which controls the mosque, has been at odds with an opposition group since 2006 and lost the election to choose new leadership according to early results.

But Imtiaz Qadir, who has been acting as spokesman for the committee, branded the election as a “sham” and said it was possible the dispute would be taken to court.

Mr Qadir said: “We've got ample grounds to challenge and in my opinion, it was a total sham.

“The opposition committee is not supposed to take charge until August 20 at 7pm, so in order for it to go through, we've got to do it before then.”

He added that the whole election was “flawed” and blamed the election committee for failing to send out invitations in time to everyone who registered to vote.

He said: “In my own opinion, I think the result will be overturned if it does go to court.”

The election was held after months of mediation between the rival groups and the election committee, with representation from both sides, was appointed to oversee it.

Both sides have accused each other of violence and the opposition group has made repeated claims that the committee refused to hold an election, meaning it was in place “illegally”.

The committee always denied these claims and the dispute came to a head earlier this year as members of the opposition were allegedly barred from the mosque, leading to several protests.

Addressing Mr Qadir's claims, Tariq Mahmood, who represents the opposition group, said: “I'm absolutely shocked at the naivety of these people and at how far they can go on this issue.

“They can run but they can't hide.”

He added that he felt the WFIA would not move forward if the challenge went ahead.

The formal handover to the new committee is due to take place at 7pm on August 20.