I feel that reference to personalities before the election
would give rise to misunderstanding and differences. What the friends should do
is to get thoroughly acquainted with one another, to exchange views, to mix
freely and discuss among themselves the requirements and qualifications for
such a membership without reference or application, however indirect, to
particular individuals. We should refrain from influencing the opinion of
others, of canvassing for any particular individual, but should stress the
necessity of getting fully acquainted with the qualifications of membership
referred to in our Beloved's Tablets and of learning more about one another
through direct, personal experience rather than through the reports and
opinions of our friends.
- Shoghi Effendi (From a letter dated 14 May 1927 to a Local Spiritual
Assembly, published in "Bahá'í News Letter", June 1927; The Compilation
of Compilations, vol. I, Baha’i Elections)
