Replacement of a delegate - 3 July 1973

There is no provision in the National Bahá'í Constitution for replacement of a delegates and this is, therefore, a matter left to the decision of each National Spiritual Assembly. In general, one of the following procedures is followed. If a delegate dies or becomes unable to serve before Convention, the believers polling the next highest number of votes may replace him, or another election may be held. If a delegate ceases to be able to serve after the Convention and there is need for a by-election to the National Spiritual Assembly, you may decide whether or not the delegate should be replaced, and if so, how. In the event of an elected delegate removing to another place, either before or after Convention, you may decide whether to replace him or allow him to continue as an elected delegate. Whatever procedure is adopted should be uniformly followed in all such cases. 

- The Universal House of Justice (From a letter to the National Spiritual Assembly of Argentina, July 3, 1973; compilations: ‘Lights of Guidance’)