The Universal
House of Justice
25
March 2007
To the Bahá’ís of the
World
Dear Bahá’í Friends,
1. One of the signs of the breakdown of society in all parts of the
world is the erosion of trust and collaboration between the individual and the
institutions of governance. In many nations the electoral process has become
discredited because of endemic corruption. Contributing to the widening
distrust of so vital a process are the influence on the outcome from vested
interests having access to lavish funds, the restrictions on freedom of choice
inherent in the party system, and the distortion in public perception of the
candidates by the bias expressed in the media. Apathy, alienation, and
disillusionment are a consequence, too, as is a growing sense of despair of the
unlikelihood that the most capable citizens will emerge to deal with the
manifold problems of a defective social order. Evident everywhere is a yearning
for institutions which will dispense justice, dispel oppression, and foster an
enduring unity between the disparate elements of society.
2. The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh is the divinely ordained system for
which nations and peoples so desperately search. Hailed by the Báb in the
Persian Bayan, its foundational features prescribed by Bahá’u’lláh Himself,
this Order is without precedent in human history for its standard of justice
and its commitment to the practical realization of the oneness of mankind, as
well as for its capacity to promote change and the advancement of world
civilization. It provides the means by which the Divine Will illumines the path
of human progress and guides the eventual establishment of the Kingdom of God
on earth.
3. Throughout the entire planet the devoted followers of Bahá’u’lláh
are labouring to develop further the Bahá’í Administrative Order described by
the Guardian “not only as the nucleus but the very pattern of the New World
Order”, thus setting the foundation for a world civilization destined to yield
its dazzling splendour in the centuries to come. They do so notwithstanding the
conditions of turmoil and disorder alluded to by Bahá’u’lláh in affirming that
“the world’s equilibrium hath been upset through the vibrating influence of
this most great, this new World Order. Mankind’s ordered life hath been
revolutionized through the agency of this unique, this wondrous System—the like
of which mortal eyes have never witnessed.”
4. With the concerted worldwide endeavour to advance the process of
entry by troops gathering momentum through implementation of the provisions of
the Five Year Plan, it is now opportune that the believers everywhere give
greater attention to strengthening the process by which Assemblies, national
and local, are elected. The manner of participation by all adult members of the
community in these elections is a distinguishing feature of the System of
Bahá’u’lláh; for it is a bounden duty that confers a high privilege upon every
Bahá’í to select, as a responsible citizen of the new world being brought into
existence, the composition of the institutions having authority over the
functioning of the Bahá’í community. In this regard, indifference and neglect
on the part of any believer are alien to the spirit of the Cause. The friends
must strive ceaselessly to avoid being contaminated with these destructive attitudes,
which have inflicted such damage on the integrity and authority of the
institutions of a declining world order.
5. In describing Bahá’í elections, Shoghi Effendi, through a letter
written on his behalf, conveyed that “Bahá’í electoral procedures and methods
have, indeed, for one of their essential purposes the development in every
believer of the spirit of responsibility. By emphasizing the necessity of
maintaining his full freedom in the elections, they make it incumbent upon him
to become an active and well-informed member of the Bahá’í community in which
he lives.”
6. The manner in which the elector exercises the right and privilege to
cast his vote is therefore of great significance. Shoghi Effendi’s instruction
in this passage further explains that “to be able to make a wise choice at the
election time, it is necessary for him to be in close and continued contact
with all local activities, be they teaching, administrative or otherwise, and
to fully and whole-heartedly participate in the affairs of the local as well as
national committees and assemblies in his country. It is only in this way that
a believer can develop a true social consciousness and acquire a true sense of
responsibility in matters affecting the interests of the Cause. Bahá’í community
life thus makes it a duty for every loyal and faithful believer to become an
intelligent, well-informed and responsible elector, and also gives him the
opportunity of raising himself to such a station.”
7. While there should be no mention of personalities in connection with
Bahá’í elections, it is quite appropriate for believers to discuss the
requirements and qualifications for membership in the institution to be
elected. Shoghi Effendi offers clear guidance on this point: “I feel that
reference to personalities before the election would give rise to
misunderstanding and differences. What the friends should do is to get
thoroughly acquainted with one another, to exchange views, to mix freely and
discuss among themselves the requirements and qualifications for such a
membership without reference or application, however indirect, to particular
individuals.” Among the “necessary qualities” specified by the Guardian are
those “of unquestioned loyalty, of selfless devotion, of a well-trained mind,
of recognized ability and mature experience”. With a heightened awareness of
the functions to be performed by the elected body, the believer can properly
assess those for whom a vote should be cast. From among the pool of those whom
the elector believes to be qualified to serve, selection should be made with
due consideration given to such other factors as age distribution, diversity,
and gender. The elector should make his choice after careful thought over an
extended period before the actual election.
8. When called upon to vote in a Bahá’í election, believers should be
aware that they are carrying out a sacred task unique to this Dispensation.
They should approach this duty in a prayerful attitude, seeking divine guidance
and confirmation. As Shoghi Effendi has advised, “they must turn completely to
God, and with a purity of motive, a freedom of spirit and a sanctity of heart,
participate in the elections.”
9. Through their wholehearted embrace of the Bahá’í electoral process,
the believers will witness, day by day, a greater contrast between the emerging
institutions of the Bahá’í Administrative Order and the decaying social order
around them. In this increasing distinction will be seen the promise of the
glory of the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh—the System destined to fulfil the
highest expectations of humanity.
[signed:
The Universal House of Justice]