Date set for unit conventions in 2024
Unit Conventions will be held around the country on Sunday 11 February 2024. Every believer aged 18 and older is summoned to take part in this important electoral process.
The election of delegates is an important component of the Bahá'í Administrative Order which has been described by the Guardian as "the nucleus and pattern of the New World Order".
In preparation for the upcoming unit conventions, the National Spiritual Assembly sent the following letter to all believers in Aotearoa by email on Wednesday 8 November 2023.
To the Bahá’ís of Aotearoa,
Greetings to all,
In the month of Mulk (Dominion), on Sunday 11 February 2024, unit conventions will be held around Aotearoa, the primary purpose of which is to fulfil our sacred responsibility of electing delegates to the National Convention. The gatherings also provide an annual forum for consultation and kōrero to share thoughts, insights, and suggestions on matters of national significance related to our cherished Faith.
Once a year, in each national Bahá’í community, Bahá’ís in good standing who are aged 18 or older have a spiritual obligation to cast their vote by secret ballot to choose delegates who are entrusted with the task of electing the nine individuals who will serve on the National Spiritual Assembly. Individuals who are 21 years of age or older are eligible to be voted for.
The National Spiritual Assembly holds a deep hope that the friends will actively engage in spiritually preparing to vote in these elections. For those unable to attend the unit convention in person, there will be means provided by which an absentee ballot can be submitted. A warm invitation is extended to youth aged 18 or over who will be participating in the ISGP seminars from February 3 to 13, to take the necessary steps to submit their absentee ballots ahead of the seminar.
Please look out for details to come about the unit convention for your area.
Arohanui,
National Spiritual Assembly
Guidance on voting
Some key guidance about voting is contained in the attached page, “Bahá’í Elections and Voting Information”
