The second Tibetan election after the complete devolvement of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from his political role is fast approaching. The preliminary election is two weeks away!
The Chief Election Commissioner, Mr Sonam Choephel Shosur,is currently in Europe on a visit to Switzerland, Spain, Belgium and France to talk about the Election 2016, and to explain the rules and regulations to Tibetans living there. This official visit by the Election Commissioner to Tibetan communities abroad is an element of a newly developed programme for their team. The Chief Election Commissioner is speaking about the importance of people’s participation in the democratic system, and regulations for candidates for the post of Sikyong (Prime Minister) and Members of the Parliament (MP), followed by question and answer sessions. Election Commissioners have already visited 84 Tibetan communities in India during the period July-September, giving workshops and discussing various topics related to the upcoming election.
With the aim of increasing voters’ participation, the Local Tibetan Election Commission (LEC) of Dharamshala headed by Sonam Dorjee, the Settlement Officer, extended the registration date for voters to October 9. “It is the sole decision of the LEC to extend the deadline in order to give a chance to those who have missed the previous deadline or who are yet to register,” said the Settlement Officer, as reported in Phayul.
The initial deadline of voters’ registration for Tibetans living in India was on August 30. Additional Election Commissioner, Tenzin Choephel also commented that the Election Commission will give 15 days to register after the preliminary election for those who turn 18 in the New Year and have not yet registered.
Sikyong, Lobsang Sangay at press conference announcing his candidature for election 2016
Photo: Contact/Lha
Two weeks before the preliminary election, the current Sikyong, Lobsang Sangay,formally announced that he will run for his current post in the 2016 election. He confirmed that he will continue to work on the three principles of the current Kashag which are unity, innovation and self-reliance. Striving for the return of His Holiness to Tibet will be his top priority to comply with the wishes of Tibetans inside Tibet. Sangay also reiterated his commitment to seeking genuine autonomy from China through the Middle Way Approach.
The incumbent Prime Minister of the Tibetan exile government came up with the term “Five and Fifty”, saying that if we have to remain in exile for another fifty years, the preparations and efforts we put towards the next five years have to be the same as they would be for the full fifty years. He said that it is important for the Tibetan Government-in-exile as an institution to survive, strengthen, sustain and succeed.
As an initiativeto inform and involve young Tibetan voters in the discussions about 2016 election, the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD) has started a video series called “Youth Speak: Tibetan Election 2016” campaign. Through this campaign TCHRD staff approach youths at schools and colleges for discussions and informal interactions about the election.
The preliminary election for the Tibetan Prime Minister and members of the 16th Tibetan Parliament is slated for October 18. The final election will be on March 20, 2016.
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