The Election Commission of the Tibetan government-in-exile has set up polling zones and appointed regional election officers in as many as 27 countries to hold elections for the President (Sikyong) and members of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile.
The first round of elections will be conducted on Sunday, February 1, and the final round of voting is scheduled for April 26. The final results are likely to be announced by May 13.
Sharing the details, Chief Election Commissioner Lobsang Yeshi and Additional Election Commissioners Tsering Youdon and Nangsa Choedon stated that 309 polling zones have been established under the supervision of 87 regional election offices. As many as 1,737 election officers have been deployed across 27 nations to manage the voting process.
Keeping in mind the seasonal retail activities of Tibetan sweater sellers and other business commitments during the election period, 31 special polling zones have also been set up for voters who are away from their settlements, they said.
As the initial voting for the Sikyong and members of the 18th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile draws near, Chief Election Commissioner Yeshi restated important poll guidelines to ensure smooth and fair polling.
He urged regional election officers to decide poll-related issues in a fair and timely manner. Staff of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) were asked not to influence or participate in the election process, except while casting their own votes or performing assigned duties.
He stressed the Election Commission’s zero-tolerance strategy towards any form of electoral misconduct. He also urged the public to be careful about irresponsible posts and comments on social media that could disrupt the poll process.
Tibetan organisations and institutions have been urged to avoid any manipulation through changes in rules or regulations. Candidates currently working in CTA offices were asked to limit or postpone official visits, except when absolutely necessary.
To highlight the independent functioning of the Election Commission, Yeshi cited several steps taken by the panel, including issuing formal notices and requests to candidates. The Commission also asked CTA departments to postpone or avoid inviting candidates as chief guests during the election period to prevent influencing voters. Similar requests were sent to non-governmental organisations to avoid hosting events involving candidates during the electoral process.
The Chief Election Commissioner said the Commission had recently sent a notice to a presidential candidate, advising caution over remarks that could breach election rules. Another notice was issued to monk Dorjee of Nechung Monastery regarding his comments linked to the prophecies of the state oracle Nechung.
In another case, the Election Commission cancelled the voting rights and candidacy of Menpa Ngawang Lodoe of Tara Sorig Clinic as a punishment for violating election rules.
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