On Social Organization: The Appeal of The Baha'i Model

Photo: A delegate casting her vote in May 2005 for the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of South Africa

"African societies have long traditions of respect for authority. They are community oriented, and not individualistic. They are also a compassionate community where large numbers of unemployed people are supported through voluntary contributions by their working relatives. Walking in a township it is quite normal to come across a government minister milling around with the people in the market. African communities are to a large extent class-less societies, while at the same time regard and respect for the elders and for the local chiefs is a normal way of life. Decision making in the community is mostly collaborative, even consultative. These features enable the African societies to accept and adopt the Bahá’í model of social organization far better than the more alien Western model."

Farzin Aghdasi, "Characteristics of Bahá'í Administrative Order and Liberal Democratic Notions – A Comparative Study"