"The supreme need of humanity is cooperation and reciprocity. The stronger the ties of fellowship and solidarity amongst men, the greater will be the power of constructiveness and accomplishment in all the planes of human activity."
ʻAbdu'l-Bahá
Institutional Organisation
The National Spiritual Assembly and the Local Spiritual Assembly guide the affairs of the Bahá’í community at a national level and local level respectively. These Assemblies are elected bodies comprising nine members who are elected annually by secret ballot. Each year Bahá’ís over the age of 21 participate in Bahá’í elections, which are free of any trace of electioneering, canvassing, or propaganda.
The Local Spiritual Assembly is also responsible for organising the Nineteen Day Feast, which is the cornerstone of Bahá’í community life. Every nineteen days, Bahá’ís living in a locality gather together for prayers, consultation and fellowship. Through the practice of consultation, diverse perspectives are integrated to develop unity of vision, strengthen bonds of love and inspire individual and collective service.