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 the
expressed appeals and warnings of the Assembly, then the Assembly has the right
to refuse him the right to vote in Bahá'í elections."
- Shoghi Effendi (From a letter
written on the behalf of Shoghi Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of
the United States and Canada, March 16, 1933; compilation: ‘Lights of
Guidance’)
