Source: Baha'i World News Service

http://news.bahai.org/story.cfm?storyid=372

On May 18, 2005 the Baha'i World News Service reported, "Baha'i delegates from throughout South Africa have elected the national governing body of the Faith using the same unique democratic system employed by Baha'i communities in more than 180 countries worldwide. Forty-eight delegates gathered at the new national Baha'i center this month for the annual convention where they consulted on plans for their national Baha'i community. The delegates also heard the news that the Baha'i Faith will be introduced into state schools throughout South Africa as part of the "Religion in Education" program run by the government. However, the main purpose of the meeting was the election. In a prayerful atmosphere, the delegates voted for nine members of their community to serve on the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of South Africa for one year. A spokesman for the Baha'i International Community, Douglas Moore, said the distinctive way Baha'i elections are conducted worldwide stems from the writings of the Baha'i Faith."