Maintain Unity of the Community and respect each other.
Ayatullah al Udhma, Syed Ali al-Hussaini Seestani

As we proceed with the all-important task of choosing the next President of the World Federation, for the term 2003 - 2006, I begin with the timeless words of wisdom from our Marja’ Ayatullah al Udhma, Syed Ali al-Hussaini al Seestani, sent to the community through Hujjatul-Islam, Shaikh Zafar Abbas in April 2000, soon after passing away of our Late President, Marhum Mulla Asghar Saheb. Amongst other advices he specifically asked Maulana Zafar Abbas Saheb to convey the following: 

“Maintain Unity of the Community under all conditions and situations and at the same time respect each other.”

It is my appeal, therefore, that we heed this advice and conduct ourselves with that spirit as we go through this round of elections. The President of the World Federation is elected every 3 years by popular vote of all members of all Jamaats which are members of the World Federation indirectly via regional federations or directly. All votes cast, play an important role in the election process. Votes cast for each candidate are added and the recipient of the largest number of votes form around the globe is duly declared the President of the World Federation. It is thus extremely important that every member of every Jamaat takes full part in the elections. To exercise your vote is a right as well as a privilege and you must not lose this opportunity.   


The election of the President for the next term of 3 years, 2003 - 2006 should be organised by all member Jamaats any time during the period 13 August to 11 September 2003, to allow for Numbers of votes cast in respect of each candidate to be communicated to the Returning Officers at the Secretariat of The World Federation by the deadline of 12 September at the latest. We however recommend that it would be helpful for Jamaats to try to schedule elections between 6 and 10 September. During this week we have the Wiladat of Imam Muhammad Taqi (AS) and Imam Ali (AS) as this will allow us to get maximum participation of the Community during these gatherings.

By the closing date, two nominations for the post of the President have been received: Dr Ahmed Hassam and Dr Sibtain Panjwani. Each of the two very able and committed candidates has vast experience in serving the community at all levels. Both have issued their profiles and manifestos available on the World Federation Web Site. It is important that you, the voter, make yourself familiar with the two candidates and cast your vote at the election organised by your Jamaat. We will also avail you the opportunity to ask specific question to both the candidates on the World Federation website. I encourage all to discuss issues and exercise your electoral right after analysing issues.
 
At the same time, I have every confidence that those of us entrusted with the leadership of our Community will, as always, deal with the mechanics of the elections in good faith and with utmost fairness, as we do with all affairs of the community. Suffice it to say that the community expects no less from us. Let us remember that more than most; it is the pleasure of Allah that we seek in all our endeavors to serve the Community.

Hasnain Walji
President
Aug 13 2003.

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