ISKCON Devotees' Right to Vote

NOTE: **This petition is not intended to encourage bringing Ritvik influence into ISKCON temples. We are seeking the support of genuine voters from non-Ritvik ISKCON temples/centers.**

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) movement aims at awakening love of God within the heart of everyone and reviving their eternal relationship with God.

The knowledge of Krishna Consciousness has been transmitted through an unbroken chain of teachers and students stemming from the Lord Himself, and has been presented in its original unadulterated form by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.

In his many letters of correspondence to his disciples he has specifically stated the need to have elections to select a temple president in each temple around the world. However, this simple instruction has been neglected for years causing exploitation, corruption, greed, disempowerment of members, leaders lording over devotees and materialism of the society.

The leaders in our society who are not elected by the congregation members are getting more puffed up and refuse to listen to our grievances and cries. They paint rosy pictures to their GBC and often times we cannot bring up issues with the GBCs due to their tight schedule and interference of local management.

We need a change to take place, and we have a right to do just that by simply signing this petition. All we are saying is let us decide who should be our leaders. An election will humble the leaders and make them more caring leaders. If we can show how we all stand on this issue to the ISKCON GBC, the change will happen.

1. Your election as president is recognition by Krsna, and therefore I have got full support for you. Mukunda and the other members have rightly selected you as president. Your service attitude for Krsna and your sincere attempts at being advanced in Krsna consciousness will work with you and make your life more and more glorious and a happy state.

(SPL to Jayananda, 29th September, 1967)

2. The idea is that whoever is competent to manage affairs will accept the post of president by mutual consent.

(SPL to Jagadisa, 27th February 1970)

3. In India, when there was a congress election among the executive members, each year a person was elected president. I think this system may be followed in our institutions also. Of course it will depend on the local situation, but in a round if each person is given the chance of managing the whole affairs, that means everyone becomes responsible officer.”

(SPL to Gurudasa, 2nd March, 1970)

4. Regarding Madhavananda being the president, if he received the vote, why you have opposed? You must be impartial. My recommendation is that he must be president. He has been chosen by the vote, and I am giving the casting vote for him.

(SPL to Hamsaduta dasa, 12th September, 1974)

5. Regarding the election there for president of the temple, I understand that you received the vote. So you should be the president. I am putting my casting vote for you. I have informed Hamsaduta this by post.

(SPL to Madhavananda dasa, 16th September, 1974)

6. Regarding the election at Bhaktivedanta Manor, as you have suggested an election of all members present should be held to make a final selection. I have already suggested this to Mukunda. Another meeting should be held, and I have already asked Bhagavan dasa to be present, so there will be two GBC's and all members present. Out of the two candidates whoever is elected by the majority vote, may be the president.

(SPL to Hamsaduta dasa, 1st October, 1974)