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"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 (on an assembly) without reference or application, however indirect, to particular individuals. We should refrain from influencing the opinion of others, of canvassing for any particular individual, but should stress the necessity of getting fully acquainted with the qualifications of membership... and of learning more about one another through direct, personal experience rather than through the reports and opinions of our friends." (Shoghi Effendi) (97:2) In the local community during the course of the year a Baha'i will almost certainly come to know all the other friends at the regular Nineteen Day Feast and at other community occasions, and in consequence there is no need for nominations or election campaigns. Of course, in the wider national and international communities it is not possible to know everyone. Yet, in practice the system works very effectively because delegates to national and international conventions tend to be amongst the most active Baha'is. Activity brings experience of the wider community and an opportunity to obtain informal ideas on which persons, because of their spiritual qualities and services, are best qualified to be elected to help guide the affairs of the community. With no false pressures from nominations and campaigns the Baha'i elector is free. (97:3) "...to consider without the least trace of passion and prejudice, and irrespective of any material consideration, the names of only those who can best combine the necessary qualities of unquestioned loyalty, of selfless devotion, of a well-trained mind, of recognized ability and mature experience..." (Shoghi Effendi)
(97:4)
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