Unit convention - "an opportunity for every responsible, conscientious believer"
Unit conventions are to be held on Saturday 5 February 2022. All believers aged 18 and above are called upon to participate in this important occasion when delegates are elected around the country, who in turn will elect the National Spiritual Assembly at Ridván 179. Those members elected to the National Assembly at that time, will comprise the delegates from Aotearoa New Zealand who will elect the Universal House of Justice at Ridván 180. Therefore, those friends who participate in the voting for delegates on Saturday 5 February 2022, will in effect be playing a role in the election of the Universal House of Justice.
A Table of units is attached showing host Assemblies, localities and the number of delegates for each unit.
Some key guidance about voting is contained in the attached page, “Bahá’í Elections and Voting Information”.
For the voter, the occasion provides a significant opportunity to partake in the development of the Bahá’í Administrative Order as a refuge for humankind. As the Universal House of Justice has written: “Evident everywhere is a yearning for institutions which will dispense justice, dispel oppression, and foster an enduring unity between the disparate elements of society.” (1) To meet this yearning, it is essential that we support the Bahá’í electoral process so that we will “witness, day by day, a greater contrast between the emerging institutions of the Bahá’í Administrative Order and the decaying social order around [us].” (2)
Moreover, the Bahá’í electoral process is itself unique for the spiritual power that it channels. For example, “wholehearted participation in the election of delegates to the National Convention affords an opportunity for every responsible, conscientious believer to develop deeper bonds of love and enhance a spiritual connection with his or her National Spiritual Assembly.” (3)
Again: “In the act of voting, the individual subscribes to a covenant by which the orderliness of society is upheld. … The individual has the responsibility to establish and maintain the Assembly through election, the offering of advice, moral support and material assistance; and he has the right to be heard by it, to receive its guidance and support… ” (4)
Clearly there is more going on when one casts a vote, beyond having a say in the membership of the institutions, important as that is. Each person’s vote is a special expression of their connection to the Bahá’í community and their commitment to its ideals. The potency of the result is increased by the precious contribution that each voter makes to it.
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.” (5)
In conclusion: “Every follower of Bahá’u’lláh knows that the purpose of His Revelation is to bring into being a new creation.” (6) And: “A well-ordered electoral process implemented in accordance with the Bahá’í Teachings is a key component of the healthy development of the institutions of the Faith.” (7) Therefore, to participate in a Bahá’í election is to align oneself with Bahá’u’lláh’s creative Spirit operating in the world. What more exciting privilege could be imagined?
References
Universal House of Justice, 25 March 2007 to the Bahá’ís of the World
Universal House of Justice, 25 March 2007 to the Bahá’ís of the World
Universal House of Justice, 4 August 2016, to all National Spiritual Assemblies
Universal House of Justice, 29 December 1988 to the followers of Bahá’u’lláh in the United States of America
Universal House of Justice, 25 March 2007 to the Bahá’ís of the World
Universal House of Justice, 28 December 2010 to the Conference of the Continental Board of Counsellors
Universal House of Justice, 4 August 2016, to all National Spiritual Assemblies
