The Tibetan democracy is an example for the world and it is now on a further milestone with the preparations for 2021 elections in full swing. Upcoming elections in exile for the Tibetan refugees to elect their political leader and members of their parliament in exile will be held in the beginning of next year according its election commission.
Election Commission of Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) announced through a press conference on August 5, 2020 the commencement of the electoral process of the 2021 General Elections of Sikyong, the political leader of Tibetans and members of the 17th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile. This announcement featured that the office will conduct upcoming elections as per the Charter of Tibetans-in-Exile and the Tibetan electoral rules and regulations.
Voter Registration
On August 21, 2020, the Chief Election Commissioner along with two additional commissioners called for a press conference to announce the beginning of voter registrations for the upcoming elections. As per the announcement, Regional Election Commissions and the Registration Officers across the world began voter registration from September 1 and it will go on till October 15.
The voters registered are eligible to vote for both election of Sikyong and respective members of parliament. According to the charter and electoral rules, one Sikyong and 45 members of Tibetan parliament in exile will be elected. The 45 members of parliament will be comprised of 30 members residing in India, Nepal and Bhutan 10 each from three provinces of Tibet; 10 members belonging to 2 each from five religious sects of Tibet; 2 members from Tibetan communities in North and South America; 2 members from Tibetan communities in Europe and 1 member from Tibetan communities in Australia and other Asian countries.
2021 Tibetan Elections dates
The Election Commission on September 28, 2020 in a press conference announced electoral calendar for 2021 Tibetan elections. According to the announcement, the preliminary round of elections for both the Sikyong and members of parliament will be held on January 3, 2021. As the revised electoral rules and regulations, the final elections will be held on 11 April 2021, after three months of preliminary elections. The results of final elections will be announced on 14 May, 2021.
Since the complete handover of political responsibilities towards an elected leader by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 2011, Tibetans have been actively engaged in their elections. The exemplary political participation by Tibetans in exile have been visible during the 2011 and 2016 general elections. This time again, there are eight prominent candidates vying for the post of Sikyong.
However, with restrictions from amendments in the Electoral Rules and Regulations in addition to the travel restrictions imposed by the Coronavirus pandemic, there are has been comparatively lesser campaign events till now.