Category Archives: Local Spiritual Assemblies

Election of Local Spiritual Assemblies

26 March 2020
7 Bahá’ 177 B.E.

SRL-25394.A
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Contents:
– Election of Local Spiritual Assemblies
– Election of the National Spiritual Assembly
– Rising to the occasion in a global crisis

Dearly loved Friends,

Election of Local Spiritual Assemblies

The National Spiritual Assembly has been carefully monitoring the latest government guidance in relation to the present COVID-19 pandemic.  It is clear that the latest restrictions will not permit the holding of a meeting to elect or form an Assembly at Riḍván and that voting by postal ballot may not be feasible for many friends.

Drawing on guidance of the Universal House of Justice the National Assembly has written to Local Assemblies offering guidance on how their election can be held this coming Riḍván.  Various methods for casting ballots are being suggested to Local Assemblies and, based on their assessment of local circumstances, they will be advising their electorate of the manner in which votes can be cast.  Their aim will be to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to vote, to preserve the integrity of the voting process, and to ensure that – as best as possible in the circumstances – confidentiality is assured.

For your information, in the event that an election results in a tie, the tie will be broken by drawing lots, given that there will be no meeting held at which a second ballot can be performed.

By whatever means votes are cast, it is hoped that all those who live in a community that is able to form an Assembly will benefit from the bounty of participating in these sacred elections.

Election of the National Spiritual Assembly

Further guidance will be issued shortly to the delegates to National Convention regarding additional arrangements for the election of the National Spiritual Assembly in light of the current restrictions.

With loving Bahá’í greetings,

Patrick O’Mara,
Secretary