A problem?

[arthra]

There are built in to the Baha'i electoral system safeguards against electioneering..as it is not permitted and we are very strict on that or forming parties or coalitions within the Faith is absolutely prohibited...to do so violates our principle of unity which is a cardinal value in Baha'i societies.

When Baha'is elect people who serve on the local, national or international level it is in a state of prayer and the typical parliamentary procedures common in other organizations are not recognized or accepted by us.

We also have a consultation process that is used by the institutions and day to day by Baha'is that is to consider all points of view in as ego free an environment as possible.

- Art

[Popeyesays]

The vision of a Baha`i future does not eliminate the existence of national governments and a wide spectrum of 'just' governments within those nations. Rather the notion of 'Baha`i World Government' is rather that of a supreme arbitrator who deals with the frictions that might exist between nations. It is a relatively loose confederation that can easily exist without the trappings of modern 'politics'.

The BIC puts out all kinds of guidance with the oversight of the House of Justice. One of those is entitled: Overcoming Corruption in Public Institutions. I will quote a paragraph:

"In this regard, the Bahá'í community offers its own administrative system as a model for study. Bahá'ís attach great importance to cooperative decision-making and assign organizational responsibility for community affairs to freely elected governing councils at the local, national, and international levels. This hierarchy devolves decision-making to the lowest practicable level-thereby instituting a unique vehicle for grassroots participation in governance-while at the same time providing a level of coordination and authority that makes possible collaboration on a global scale. A unique feature of the Bahá'í electoral process is the maximum freedom of choice given to the electorate through the prohibition of nominations, candidature and solicitation. Election to Bahá'í administrative bodies is based not on personal ambition but rather on recognized ability, mature experience, and a commitment to service. Because the Bahá'í system does not allow the imposition of the arbitrary will or leadership of individuals, it cannot be used as a pathway to power. Decision-making authority rests with corporate bodies. All members of the Bahá'í community, no matter what position they may temporarily occupy in the administrative structure, are expected to regard themselves as involved in a learning process, as they strive to understand and implement the laws and principles of their Faith. Significantly, in many parts of the world, the first exercises in democratic activity have occurred within the Bahá'í community."
(Baha'i International Community, 2001 May 28-31, Overcoming Corruption in Public Institutions)

Regards,
Scott