wfn.org | BWNS -- Baha'is hold unique form of democratic elections

[Bahá'í World News Service <bwns@bwc.org>]

Baha'i World News Service
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Baha'is hold unique form of democratic elections
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, 18 May 2005 (BWNS) -- Baha'i delegates from
throughout South Africa have elected the national governing body of the
Faith using the same unique democratic system employed by Baha'i
communities in more than 180 countries worldwide.

Forty-eight delegates gathered at the new national Baha'i center this
month for the annual convention where they consulted on plans for their
national Baha'i community.

The delegates also heard the news that the Baha'i Faith will be
introduced into state schools throughout South Africa as part of the
"Religion in Education" program run by the government.

However, the main purpose of the meeting was the election. In a
prayerful atmosphere, the delegates voted for nine members of their
community to serve on the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of
South Africa for one year.

A spokesman for the Baha'i International Community, Douglas Moore, said
the distinctive way Baha'i elections are conducted worldwide stems from
the writings of the Baha'i Faith.

"The Baha'i Faith administers its affairs through democratically elected
nine-member councils at local, regional, national, and international
levels," Mr. Moore said. "It's a sacred process for Baha'is."

"There are no nominations before or during elections, and Baha'is
completely abstain from campaigning or discussing the qualities of
individuals," Mr. Moore said.

"The delegates make their own private choice of who to vote for based on
criteria set down in the writings of the Faith," he said.

"Those criteria are unquestioned loyalty, selfless devotion, a
well-trained mind, recognized ability, and mature experience."

Mr. Moore said that the voting is by secret ballot. Every adult Baha'i
(21 years old and over) in the country is eligible to be voted for.

Conventions

Voting for the National Spiritual Assemblies takes place at conventions
where delegates, who are elected to represent regional areas, also
consult on the progress of the Baha'i community and how best to
contribute to the spiritual well-being of their countries.

The conventions held this year were the final in a five-year period
during which the Universal House of Justice asked the Baha'is to pay
particular attention to encouraging the participation of the wider
society in three "core activities": the spiritual education of children,
capacity-building study circles, and devotional gatherings.

Increasing numbers of people who are not Baha'is have now participated
in the core activities throughout the world.

A message from the Universal House of Justice to the Baha'is of the
world -- known as the Ridvan message -- was consulted upon at the
conventions.

Examples

In Brazil, 50 delegates from 25 Brazilian states consulted on measures
to mobilize the trained human resources of the community to achieve
their goals. They also discussed how junior youth and youth can bring
spiritual teachings to their own generation.

In Russia, the delegates gathering in Moscow came from a diverse range
of nationalities spanning the greater part of the country, including
regions such as Ossetia, Yakutia, Kalmiki, and Buryatia. The
consultation on the use of the arts in the community emphasized folk art
as a direct and effective means of attracting the hearts of the people
to spiritual teachings.

In Japan, 31 delegates meeting in the Tokyo Baha'i center reported that
they were heartened by the expansion of the Japanese Baha'i community,
the increase in the number of Baha'i children's classes and the rising
number of participants from the wider society who are joining Baha'i
study circles and devotional gatherings.

In New Caledonia, the national convention was marked by significant
participation by the youth among the delegates. The delegates consulted
on how to enhance children's classes, study circles, and devotional
gatherings and also on the national Baha'i Fund.

In Myanmar (Burma), 54 delegates met in Daidanaw, a Baha'i village.
Following the enthusiastic consultations at the convention more than 300
children attended a children's conference.

In the United States, the 96th annual convention was held in the
Foundation Hall of the Baha'i House of Worship for North America in
Wilmette, Illinois. The delegates reported a greater appreciation of
systematization of activities and an expanded outward-looking
orientation and fostering of individual initiative.

In France, the delegates reported a "serene and focused atmosphere" and
a "constructive and smooth unfolding of the consultation and the
election of the National Spiritual Assembly."

On 20 April, Baha'i local communities worldwide elected their governing
councils, the Local Spiritual Assemblies.