A recent letter to the editor in the Wrangell Sentinel describes an electoral system designed to operate without the rancor and hostility that so often characterize elections in the world around us. It’s about the Baha’i electoral system used by Baha’i communities around the world.
Wherever humans come together there is a basic need to show respect for the obvious fact that we are bound to think differently. Elections are part of the answer to this issue because they can provide a path to social progress which, ideally, doesn’t alienate or offend people. But after the election there is still a need for elected representatives to make decisions in a wise and coherent way. There is a need to ensure that due consideration is given to input from various individuals who may have vitally needed pieces of the puzzle before deciding on the best way forward.
The letter describes the Baha’i approach to the subject of elections and another process known as “Baha’i Consultation” both of which are designed to show due respect to the principle that the feelings of even the lowliest member of the community matter.
The letter in The Sentinel is here:
Bahá’í elections are about responsibility, not personal power
