Liberia: Baha’is Offer Special Prayers for Liberia Ahead of October Polls

Liberia Bahai delegation

 

As they participated in the 13th International Baha’i Convention in Israel

Reginald Gaye, chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly (NSA) of the Baha’is of Liberia, has disclosed that while in Israel, particularly on Mount Camel participating in the 13th International Baha’i convention recently, the Liberian delegation along with Agartha Nketsia (Baha’i Counsellor from Ghana), offered special prayers for Liberia ahead of the country’s October 10 Presidential and Legislative elections.

Gaye, along with two of his fellow NSA members, spoke to the media at the Baha’i National Center in Congo Town following their return to the country.

“We are members of the global community and our prayer is to see the world become a better place for all. We took up time and prayed for Liberia. We want things to improve and become better for all to benefit. We are praying all the time that political elections should be void of conflict. You may disagree on ideas or policy issues with each other but continue to mutually coexist as one people,” Gaye said.

He said even though there is no clergy-hood in the Baha’i Faith, the institutions of the Faith work as a body to take decisions and act upon them, particularly in the interest of the community they serve.

Baha’is register and vote in national elections but they do not partake in political rallies. They do not take sides or campaign for anyone. Every Baha’i casts a secret ballot at elections.

Election of the Universal House of Justice

Every five years, countries all over the world, where the Baha’i are established, national leadership structures assemble on Mount Carmel in Haifa, Israel, and elect nine (9) members who make up the Universal House of Justice. This has been going on since 1963; fifty years of successful system void of manipulation and any corrupt nature and it remains a way of life for Baha’is.

Those who attend as delegates are members of National Spiritual Assemblies (NSAs) of the Baha'i Faith in countries where the Faith is fully established. The NSA, like the Universal House of Justice, is composed of nine members.

In fulfillment of the spiritual obligation, seven members of the National Spiritual Assembly of Liberia were in attendance in Israel to elect the Universal House of Justice.

Gaye said those who are elected to the Universal House of Justice or the National Spiritual Assembly as well as the Local Spiritual Assembly are people who possess certain qualities such as matured experience, recognized ability, and unquestioned loyalty, among others.

“The election of the Universal House of Justice and all other Baha’i elections is a sacred duty and it is nonpolitical. No parties, no campaign or canvass for votes and there are no debates. Delegates to the Convention cast secret ballots,” the NSA chairman explained.

Eddie Wright, Reginald Kraty Gaye, Albert Thoudou, Mehngoankaeh Baymie and Geebli Newray made up the delegation from Liberia to the auspicious 13th International Convention. Precious Tina Wright and Jack Duogee were also a part of the team, each.

The Liberian delegation left the country for Israel on April 21 and after nine days, including the election of the Universal House of Justice on April 29, returned home with determination to work for a better Liberian society.

Gaye explained that they had spiritual reflections, mingled with the fellow global family members and participated in the casting of sacred votes for the Universal House of Justice, and have returned home with “renewed vigor and commitment” to work more for the betterment of the society and its peace and unity.

“The Baha’i Faith is not a strange Faith in Liberia,” Wright said. “It has been here since the 1950s and it promotes unity and peace and brings together people of diverse faiths. We Baha’is are people who believe in the Oneness of God, the Oneness of Religion and the Oneness of Mankind.” 

Wright is the Secretary of the NSA of Liberia. He disclosed that 176 countries, comprising 1,393 delegates, were present in the Holy Land and participated in the non-political, non-canvassing electoral process.

He continued that “The election of the Universal House of Justice, the world governing body of the Baha’i Faith began in 1963 and since then, fifty years and countless to come, remains the supreme institution of the Faith on earth.”

“Liberian Baha’is participating in the election of the Universal House of Justice testifies to the full establishment of the Baha’i Faith in the country and we wish and appeal that the Liberian government considers inviting us to national discourses that are about transformation. Based on our religious principles and Teachings, we can contribute to ideas that bring about economic growth and the betterment of our common society,” Wright noted.

Emphasizing on the spiritual nature of Baha’i elections at all levels, the NSA Secretary said there are no camps or parties required nor are there debates to determine who should be elected.    

Both Gaye and Wright noted that their individual experiences while in the Holy Land and visiting the Shrines of Baha’u’llah, The Bab and Abdu’l Baha were exceptionally enthralling and captivating.

Adriana Clarke was not a part of the delegation but she was impressed that Liberia was part of the sacred duty.

“We need to work hard to ensure there is equality of men and women. There should be equal opportunities for all. We Baha’is in Liberia are doing our best to spread the good news of Baha’u’llah Who is the Manifestation of God for this age. We hope the Baha'i election system will accept one of these in the future. It saves lots of money and prevents all conflicts in all forms,” Mrs. Clarke said. She is a member of the NSA of Liberia.

Elections for the NSA and the Local Spiritual Assembly (LSA) take place once every year and at a particular time, each. LSA elections were held on April 20 and 21 respectively. On May 19, nineteen delegates will gather at the Bahai Development Institute Compound at Bonjal, Roberts Field highway to elect the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Liberia. 

There will be observers and tellers to be announced by the convention.

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