A dispute has erupted after the results of a mosque election were announced.

There is disagreement over results of the election of new trustees of Harrow Central Mosque, in Station Road, Harrow, after a new group won by 25 votes.

Since polling in December, some members have claimed voting was fixed and the losing executive committee – after contacting the Charity Commission - has now announced that the election be declared null and void.

They claim that 61 individuals voted despite their names not being on the approved voter list, and a key control desk was removed 40 minutes after voting started, meaning that 116 individuals rejected for membership because they live beyond the membership boundary could have still voted.

A statement from the executive committee published online said: “The Charity Commission has responded and recommended that we, the executive committee, exhaust all means of resolving matters internally.

“In summary, in order to implement the Charity Commission recommendations of negotiation and mediation between all candidates, we have completed a review of the complaints surrounding the elections and proceeded to set out a way forward towards establishing a valid team of new trustees.”

However, incoming group Living Masjid have stated that the new trustees of the mosque took office yesterday, announcing a new chairman, general secretary and treasurer.

A letter from Mohammed Kozbar, the independent election commissioner, said that 61 names were added to the membership register on the day as these voters had valid membership receipts and photo identification, and that security on the door ensured all voters were registered.

The letter added: “Huge amount of effort and time has gone into organising and holding the elections. There has been a lot of interest from the community as shown by substantial turnout on the day.

“Twice I’ve started a process of investigating issues raised after the election results were announced and both times Harrow Central Mosque Current Executive Committee have derailed the process. In the end, doing an investigation through an internal panel and not an independent panel is not a wise and transparent decision.

“To conclude, in my view, the election was robust and I stand by my announcement of election results on December 15, 2014 until a legitimate body can prove otherwise. The new elected committee should be allowed to take charge on February 1 as per the will of the members."

The Charity Commission has confirmed that it is aware of the situation at the Harrow Central Mosque and is engaging with the charity to help resolve the problems.