Dharamsala, May 18 – A prominent Tibetan political party has elected its new president in Dharamsala, the seat of Tibetan’s parliament-in-exile.
In the fourth annual convention, National Democratic Party of Tibet (NDPT) chose Karma Chopel, founder member of the party.
Chopel said he would work for the welfare of Tibetan community in exile and endeavour for a solution to the Chinese-held Tibet.”I will try to achieve this first to improve the structure of this particular party by which the Tibetan population will be educated in democratic principles. Secondly, then the most important thing is to find a solution to Tibetan problems for which I will try to direct the energies of our party and members,” said Chopel.
Chopel said since 1950s one common assumption among planners and economists was that Tibet’s economy has been poor.
He said the recent resumption of direct contact between the representatives of Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama and China has been encouraging.
Tibetan youth hoped the election of Chopel will lead to negotiations to resolve the question of Tibet.
“He has a very good experience and has very good knowledge about Tibetan society and he has a strong stand about complete independence,” said Cheme Yungdrungum, a history student.
NDPT was founded in exile in 1994 with an aim to strengthen democratic process of Tibetans in exile.
