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The Baha'i election has several.. significant features. First, there are no nominations and no political campaigns. In conventional democracy such procedures are considered necessary because otherwise the electors would have no idea for whom to vote. However, the price of such practices is high, as is clear to anyone interested in politics. It can be an opportunity for manipulation by the rich and powerful vested interests. In many countries as, for example, in the United States, few but the rich can be elected to the most important offices because only the rich can afford the cost of campaigns. In nearly all countries the emphasis tends to be on the image rather than on reality. A man's record, which in any case is so often hard to define, counts for less than his public appearance and soft words. As a result the electors never really know for whom they are voting. Worst of all, the campaign system creates a leadership cult, with all the consequences that such cults imply. Clearly, such practices make the formation of a just government all but impossible. (96:3) In the Baha'i Administration the emphasis is on a community which is like a family, constantly meeting and coming to know its own members in a loving atmosphere. (97:1) "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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