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"The Assembly should be representative of the choicest and most varied and capable elements in every Baha'i community." (Shoghi Effendi).... (98:1) "..every organized community, enlisted under the banner of Baha'u'llah should feel it to be its first and inescapable obligation to nurture, encourage, and safeguard every minority belonging to any faith, race, or nation within it." (Shoghi Effendi) (98:2) This principle is further reflected in the practice concerning ties for ninth place. Normally a second ballot is cast to decide between those who were in the tie but if one should be clearly from a minority group he or she is given preference. (98:3) "So great and vital is this principle that in such circumstances, as when an equal number of ballots have been cast in an election, or where the qualifications for any office are balanced as between the various races, faiths or nationalities within the community, priority should unhesitatingly be accorded the party representing the minority." (Shoghi Effendi)
(98:4)
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