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Penpa Tsering Re-elected as Tibetan Exile Leader in Key Democratic Vote

The Tibetan Election Commission has declared incumbent Sikyong Penpa Tsering re-elected to lead the Central Tibetan Administration after he secured over 60% of the vote in the preliminary election. The election, held on February 2, saw participation from over 51,000 exiled Tibetans worldwide, including in Indian states like Himachal Pradesh. Voters expressed their commitment to preserving Tibetan identity and continuing the struggle for freedom from Chinese occupation. The results confirm Penpa Tsering will continue as the head of the 17th Kashag, or Tibetan cabinet.

Key Points: Penpa Tsering Re-elected Sikyong of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile

  • Penpa Tsering re-elected Sikyong
  • Won 61% of vote, avoiding runoff
  • Election held globally for exiled Tibetans
  • Voters emphasize struggle for freedom
2 min read

Penpa Tsering to continue as leader of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile: Poll results confirm

Penpa Tsering wins re-election as Sikyong of the Tibetan government-in-exile after securing over 60% of the vote in the preliminary round.

"We vote to continue fighting for the freedom of our country. - Rinjin"

Dharamshala, February 14

The Tibetan Election Commission on Friday declared the results of the preliminary election for the Sikyong and members of the 18th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, confirming that Penpa Tsering has been re-elected to continue as the Sikyong of the Central Tibetan Administration.

The Election Commission of the Central Tibetan Administration announced the preliminary election for the Sikyong and members of the 18th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile on Friday.

On February 2, the Tibetan community living in exile took part in the first phase of elections to select the Sikyong (President of the Central Tibetan Administration) and members of the 18th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, marking a key democratic exercise for Tibetans residing outside their homeland.

In accordance with Article 67(4) of the Election Rules and Regulations stipulating that "If a candidate secured more than 60 per cent of the total votes in the preliminary round, the final round shall not be conducted, and the candidate shall be declared elected as Sikyong," the Election Commission declared incumbent Sikyong Penpa Tsering elected as the Sikyong for the 17th Kashag, as he received 61.025 per cent of the total votes.

The Election Commission disclosed that a total of 51,140 Tibetans participated in the Sikyong election, with 103 candidates contesting. Following the incumbent Sikyong Penpa Tsering, Kelsang Dorjee Aukatsang and Tsering Phuntsok secured 17,843 and 159 votes respectively.

Voters travelled from nearby regions to cast their ballots, underscoring the importance of participation in sustaining the Tibetan government-in-exile and advancing the decades-long struggle for freedom.

Rinjin, a voter, said, "I live in Keylong and I have come here to exercise my right and cast my vote for the Tibet government. We vote to continue fighting for the freedom of our country. You know China has occupied Tibet, and we have been living in India as refugees."

Echoing similar hopes, another voter, Lobsang, said, "I have come to vote to choose the next Tibetan government in exile. We hope for freedom soon so that we can go back to our country."

Polling was held worldwide, including in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, where the Central Tibetan Administration set up three polling booths across different locations to facilitate voting by Tibetans residing in the state. The preservation of Tibetan identity, culture, and unity emerged as a central concern.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
A clear mandate for Penpa Tsering with over 60% votes! This shows strong leadership is appreciated even in exile. Hope this brings more stability to their cause. The voter from Keylong's words were very moving.
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Aman W
While I respect their struggle, we must be careful. As Indians, our primary focus should be on our own border security and national interests. These elections, while symbolic, are held on Indian soil and we must ensure our sovereignty isn't compromised.
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Sarah B
Living in Dharamshala, I see the Tibetan community as peaceful, integral neighbours. Their dedication to democratic process, even in exile, is commendable. More power to them.
K
Karthik V
51,140 voters is a significant number. It shows a deeply engaged diaspora. India's support for their cultural preservation in places like McLeod Ganj is something we can be proud of as a nation that values pluralism.
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Nikhil C
The article mentions polling in Shimla. It's a delicate matter. We must balance our humanitarian traditions with pragmatic diplomacy. The government handles it well, but as citizens, we should be aware of the geopolitical implications.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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