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1440. Political Figures
"The Guardian wishes me to draw the attention of the friends through you that they should be very careful in their public utterance not to mention any political figures—either side with them or denounce them. This is the first thing to bear in mind. Otherwise they will involve the friends in political matters, which is infinitely dangerous for the Cause."
- (From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States and Canada, January 12, 1933: Bahá’í News, No. 72, April 1933, p. 3)
1441. Politicians: Non-Political Government Jobs
"Actual politicians, he feels, will for the most part never be willing to forget their ambitions, work and prestige in order to embrace the Faith, but association with all people, in government occupation or otherwise, who are progressive minded, is advisable, as we publicize the Faith this way and may meet receptive souls. There is no objection to Bahá’ís serving in government jobs that are purely non-political."
- (From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to an individual believer, May 30, 1947)
1442. No Bahá’í Can be Regarded as Republican or Democrat
"…no vote cast or office undertaken by a Bahá’í should necessarily constitute acceptance, by the voter or office holder, of the entire programme of any political party. No Bahá’í can be regarded as either Republican or Democrat, as such. He is above all else, the supporter of the principles enunciated by Bahá’u’lláh, with which, I am firmly convinced, the programme of no political party is completely harmonious…."
- (From a letter of Shoghi Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States and Canada, January 26, 1933: Bahá’í News, No. 85, July, 1934, p. 2)
1443. Voting in Civil Elections
"As regards the non-political character of the Faith,… The friends may vote, if they can do it, without identifying themselves with one party or another. To enter the arena of party politics is surely detrimental to the best interests of the Faith and will harm the Cause. It remains for the individuals to so use their right to vote as to keep aloof from party politics, and always bear in mind that they are voting on the merits of the individual, rather than because he belongs to one party or another. The matter must be made perfectly clear to the individuals, who will be left free to exercise their discretion and judgement. But if a certain person does enter into party politics and labours for the ascendency of one party over another, and continues to do it against expressed appeals and warnings of the Assembly, then the Assembly has the right to refuse him the right to vote in Bahá’í elections."
- (From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States and Canada, March 16, 1933)
1444. Avoid Identification with Political Parties
"We have received your letter of 12 December 1973 concerning the problem of… who says that it is very difficult for him to keep his job as a teacher in a public school without being registered as a member of one of the political parties now in the government.
"A similar question has arisen in some other countries, particularly in Africa where the one-party system is in use. Although we understand that there is more than one political party in your country, we think it would be helpful to you to have a summary of the instructions we have given to African Assemblies, and this is enclosed.
"We suggest that …'s case might offer your Assembly an opportunity to seek an appointment with the proper government official or officials to explain the Bahá’í position on non-interference in political affairs, as well as on obedience and loyalty to government. Your approach should be to seek advice on what can be done in …'s situation and in similar cases to avoid identification with party politics while at the same time showing the utmost loyalty to the government. Certainly this would afford your Assembly yet another opportunity to proclaim the Faith and its principles and to seek the respect and understanding of the officials."
- (From a letter of the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of Bolivia, December 28, 1973)
1445. For Bahá’ís Living in Countries Where the Political Structure is Based on a One-Party System
"1. The beloved Guardian repeatedly emphasized the principle of refusing to join any political party. In 'The Advent of Divine Justice', in speaking of the rectitude of conduct which must manifest itself in the Bahá’í community, he said: 'It must characterize the attitude of every loyal believer towards non-acceptance of political posts, non-identification with political parties, non-participation in political controversies, and non-membership in political organizations…'
"2. a. If the National Spiritual Assembly is satisfied that membership in the party is not compulsory according to the law of the land, but is promoted merely by persuasion, encouragement, and inducement through the granting of privileges and even threats, then the Bahá’ís should refrain from joining the party, whatever the personal sacrifices may be.
"b. If, however, it is ascertained by the National Spiritual Assembly, that the law requires every citizen to belong to the party, Bahá’ís may pay money equivalent to the dues involved, without accepting membership of the party. There is no objection to their carrying receipts indicating that the contribution has been made.
"c. If alternative 2b. is not possible, Bahá’ís have no choice but to accept membership, without becoming active in the party, such as holding offices."
- (From a Summary of Instructions of the Universal House of Justice attached to the above cited letter to Bolivia, December 28, 1973)
1446. No Loyal Believer should Commit Himself to a Political Program
"…no loyal believer should under any circumstances commit himself in any way to a political program or policy formulated and upheld by a political party. For affiliation with such a party necessarily entails repudiation of some principles and teachings of the Cause, or partial recognition of some of its fundamental verities. The friends should, therefore, keep aloof from party politics. What they should mainly keep away from under all circumstances and in all its forms is partisanship."
- (From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, December 17, 1935)
1447. Bahá’ís Should Refrain from Voting, if they Must Identify with a Political Party or Doctrine
"The main principle, as you know, is that the friends should refrain from participating in any political election, unless they ascertain that in casting their vote for this or that candidate they are not affiliating themselves with any political party or organization, and are not identifying themselves with any political program. The whole question hinges on the matter of identification, and not on voting in itself.
"The application of this principle the Guardian has left to the individuals who are conscientiously required to submit their own special cases in which they are doubtful to their assemblies for consideration and guidance."
- (From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, December 28, 1936)
1448. Enrolment When Political Affiliation or Activities are Involved
"No additional requirements should be laid upon new members at the time of their declaration of belief. Rather, your Assembly should undertake to make the issues clear with such friends so that prospective new adherents may know beforehand of the position of the Faith in regard to political connections. When it is found that, in spite of this, a new Bahá’í still has political associations or activities, he should be lovingly and patiently educated so that he will withdraw from them. Some will be able to achieve this immediately, but others will need time to sever their connections discreetly. This can be a delicate matter and requires an awareness of each individual's particular situation and obligations. Of course, if such a believer does not respond to the Assembly's efforts to disengage him from politics, he must be warned and, if this still produces no effect, the Assembly would ultimately have to consider depriving him of his voting rights."
- (From a letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Dominican Republic, July 12, 1984)
1449. Membership in any Political Party Entails Repudiation of Principles of Peace and Unity
"The Bahá’í Community is a world-wide organization seeking to establish true and universal peace on earth. If a Bahá’í works for one political party to overcome another it is a negation of the very spirit of the Faith. Membership in any political party, therefore, necessarily entails repudiation of some or all of the principles of peace and unity proclaimed by Bahá’u’lláh. As ‘Abdu’l-Bahá stated: 'Our party is God's party; we do not belong to any party.'
"If a Bahá’í were to insist on his right to support a certain political party, he could not deny the same degree of freedom to other believers. This would mean that within the ranks of the Faith, whose primary mission is to unite all men as one great family under God, there would be Bahá’ís opposed to each other. Where, then, would be the example of unity and harmony which the world is seeking?
"If the institutions of the Faith, God forbid, became involved in politics, the Bahá’ís would find themselves arousing antagonism instead of love. If they took one stand in one country, they would be bound to change the views of the people in another country about the aims and purposes of the Faith. By becoming involved in political disputes, the Bahá’ís instead of changing the world or helping it, would themselves be lost and destroyed. The world situation is so confused and moral issues which were once clear have become so mixed up with selfish and battling factions, that the best way Bahá’ís can serve the highest interests of their country and the cause of true salvation for the world is to sacrifice their political pursuits and affiliations and whole-heartedly and fully support the system of Bahá’u’lláh."
- (From a letter of the Universal House of Justice to all National Spiritual Assemblies in Africa, February 8, 1970)
1450. Regarding a Bahá’í Producing Television Advertising for a Political Campaign
"In reply to your query of 24 September concerning the involvement of a Bahá’í in producing television advertising for a political campaign, the Universal House of Justice has directed us to convey its advice that the person in question should refrain from activities promoting the campaign of a politician, although this should not be construed as a restriction on non-Bahá’í associates."
- (From a letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of Alaska, October 29, 1979)
1451. Bahá’ís Can neither Campaign for Office nor Undertake Partisan Political Activities—They May Hold Appointive Posts which are not Political
"In the case of Mr. …, it is important that you ascertain precisely what his membership on a village council entails, and how he achieved such membership, i.e., by election or appointment. Your Assembly should understand that Bahá’ís do not engage in political activities nor belong to political parties, but may freely undertake non-political administrative work with governments, may hold appointive posts which are not political in character, or may serve on local councils if they do not campaign for office and are not required to undertake partisan political activities."
- (From a letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Leeward Islands, February 15, 1982)
1452. No Objection to a Bahá’í Being Elected as a Neighbourhood Captain or Serving on a Neighbourhood Council, Provided…
"There is no objection to a Bahá’í being elected a Barrio Captain or serving on a Barrio Council provided:
1. He is not required to become a member of a political party.
2. Service as a Barrio Captain or as a member of the Barrio Council does not involve him in partisan politics.
3. That he does not campaign for election to office. There is no objection to allowing one's name to be placed in nomination if nominations are required by law. If nominations are not obligatory and the voter is allowed to write on the ballot paper and vote for the names of those he wishes to be elected, this procedure should be followed by the Bahá’ís.
"It would be preferable, of course, if the election of members of a Barrio Council and Barrio Captains could be strictly in accordance with Bahá’í principles. We would appreciate knowing whether this can be done in … or whether it may be possible to amend the laws so that this procedure can be adopted in villages where the population is entirely or predominately Bahá’í."
- (From a letter of the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Philippines, April 24, 1972)
