istrative posts, far from inducing the believers to
dissociate themselves from the work of the Cause, should spur them on to
greater exertions and to a more active participation in the privileged
task of resolving the problems that confront the Baha'i community.

"Only in cases where individual believers, without any valid reason,
deliberately refuse the repeated exhortations, pleas, and warnings
addressed to them by their Assemblies, should action be taken in removing
them from the voting list. This is a measure designed to sustain the
institutions of the Faith at the present time, and to insure that the
abilities and talents of its, as yet, limited number of supporters are
properly consecrated to its service.

"The believers, for the sake of the Cause, now in the period of its
infancy, should accept their duties in a spirit a self-sacrifice, and
should be animated by the desire to uphold the verdict of the electorate,
and to lend their share of assistance however difficult the circumstances,
to the effective administration of the affairs of the Faith.

"The same sanction should apply to those who persistently refuse to
dissociate themselves from political and ecclesiastical activities. This
is a general principle which is being maintained throughout the Baha'i
world..."

60: ELECTIONS (BAHA'I)

"I feel that reference to personalities before the election would give
rise to misunderstanding and differences. What the friends should do is
get thoroughly acquainted with one another, to exchange views, to mix
freely and discuss among themselves the requirements and qualifications
for such a membership 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 referred to in our Beloved's Tablets of learning more about one
another through direct, personal experience rather than through the
reports and opinions of our friends."

61: ELECTIONS (BAHA'I) (TO ADMINISTRATIVE POSTS)

"There is no objection in principle to an Assembly being re-elected
whether in toto or in part, provided the members are considered to be well
qualified for that post. It is individual merit that counts. Novelty, or
the mere act of renewal of elections, are purely secondary considerations.
Changes in Assembly