Elections: A Sacred Task :: Baha'i Perspectives

Elections: A Sacred Task

nooshin April 24th, 2008

There have been various sets of elections in the headlines lately, and most of it not good news. Most people have become cynical about the electoral process, and the institutions they establish. As a Baha’i, however, I have just taken part in the election of my city’s Local Spiritual Assembly and eagerly await the start of the process for the election of the Universal House of Justice, which will begin shortly.

In a letter dated 25 March 2007, the Universal House of Justice, addressing the Baha’is of the world, make mention of this very topic. They begin with a description of the present electoral systems in the world:

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 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.

Having described what ails the system, the House of Justice explains what ails the individuals in the system:

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.

Shoghi Effendi describes the manner in which Baha’is should participate in Baha’i elections:

When called upon to vote in a Baha’i 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.

The Baha’i Administrative system comprises of elected institutions as local, national and international levels. Baha’u'llah describes them as follows:

It behoveth them to be the trusted ones of the Merciful among men and to regard themselves as the guardians appointed of God for all that dwell on earth. It is incumbent upon them to take counsel together and to have regard for the interests of the servants of God, for His sake, even as they regard their own interests, and to choose that which is meet and seemly.

The rights and responsibilities of these elected institutions are expressed in the following excerpt from a letter by Shoghi Effendi:

Their function is not to dictate, but to consult, and consult not only among themselves, but as much as possible with the Friends whom they represent… They should approach their task with extreme humility, and endeavour, by their openmindedness, their high sense of justice and duty, their candour, their modesty, their entire devotion to the welfare and interests of the Friends, the Cause, and humanity, to win, not only the confidence and the genuine support and respect of those whom they serve, but also their esteem and real affection.