Dharamshala, 9th June: On Wednesday, newly elected members of the 17th Tibetan parliament-in-exile, situated in Dharamshala, took their oaths. First, Dawa Tsering, one of the most senior members, was sworn in as Protem Speaker in front of Chief Justice Commissioner Sonam Dagpo, and subsequently other MPs. Due to Covid-19 policy, all procedures were held indoors, and no media was allowed to cover the oath ceremony. Later today, all members are expected to elect a Speaker and Deputy Speaker. Dolma Tsering and Sonam Temphel are vying for the position of Speaker, while Namgyal Dolkar, Yudon Aukatsang, Migyur Dorjee, and Karma Gelek are vying for the position of Deputy Speaker.
Dawa Tsering is sworn in as the 17th TPiE’s pro-tem Speaker.
Mr. Dawa Tsering, the pro-tem Speaker of the 17th Tibetan Parliament in Exile, was sworn in earlier this morning at the Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission here in Gangchen Kyishong. Chief Justice Commissioner Sonam Norbu Dagpo gave the oath of office. Given the current restrictions in place to combat the spread of Covid, only a small group of dignitaries attended the swearing-in ceremony, including Chief Justice Commissioner Sonam Norbu Dagpo, new pro-tem Speaker Dawa Tsering, Justice Commissioners Karma Dadul and Tenzin Lungtok, and Supreme Justice Commission Secretary Tashi Gyatso Shadrong.
Dawa Tsering, a parliamentarian, was born in Dhingri Rachu in 1954. At the age of five, he went into exile in India and educated at CST Dalhousie and CST Shimla. He works as a social worker, specializing in adult education, Tibetan Buddhist lay education and youth empowerment. He is currently the Director of Yongling School in Dharamshala’s Mcleod Ganj. MP Dawa Tsering previously served in the 12th TPiE (resigned to serve as a Welfare Officer), 13th TPiE (directly nominated by His Holiness the Dalai Lama), 14th, 15th, and 16th TPiE. As a member of the 17th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, he was re-elected.
Picture courtesy: yahoo