(a) Trace the events that led to the election of Matthias as one of the twelve. (b) Highlight three guidelines that should be borne in mind while conducting...

(a) Events that led to the election of Matthias (Acts 1)

• After the ascension of Jesus, the apostles returned to Jerusalem and gathered in the upper room, devoting themselves to prayer together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus and His brothers.
• In those days Peter stood up among the brethren, about a hundred and twenty in number, and addressed them.
• He explained that the Scripture had to be fulfilled concerning Judas Iscariot, who had guided those who arrested Jesus and had been numbered among the twelve.
• Peter recalled that Judas had bought a field with the reward of his wickedness, and falling headlong he burst open; the field was called Akeldama, the Field of Blood.
• Peter cited the Psalms: "Let another take his office," and argued that Judas' place of leadership must be filled.
• He laid down the qualification: the replacement must be one of the men who had accompanied them all the time the Lord Jesus went in and out among them, from the baptism of John until the ascension, so that he could be a witness of the resurrection.
• Two men were put forward, Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias.
• They prayed, asking the Lord who knows the hearts of all to show which of the two He had chosen. Then they cast lots, and the lot fell on Matthias, who was enrolled with the eleven apostles.

(b) Three guidelines for conducting elections

1. Prayerful dependence on God. Elections should be preceded by prayer, seeking divine guidance since God knows the hearts of all.
2. Clear qualifications and eligibility. Candidates should meet defined criteria of character, experience and integrity, as Peter set out the qualifications for the apostle.
3. Fairness and transparency. The process should be open and impartial, giving equal opportunity to qualified candidates and free from favouritism or manipulation.