By Phuntsok Yangchen
DHARAMSHALA, July 11: The newest member of the Tibetan Parliament, Tashi Dhondup, was sworn at a brief ceremony held at a Tibetan Parliament here. Dhondup took the oath of office from Speaker Penpa Tsering at the ceremony that was attended by members of standing committee of Tibetan Parliament.
Tashi Dhondup, Tibetan resident of Nepal and a native of Golok Serta, won the bi-election for a member of parliament from Domed province necessitated by the resignation of Kirti Dolkar Lhamo last year.
Speaking to reporters after taking oath, Dhondup described the situation for Tibetans in Nepal as “critical”. He said he will do his best in resolving the crisis in Tibet and welfare of Tibetans.
The parliament is scheduled to meet for its next session from September 12 to 24, 2014.
The Tibetan Parliament-in-exile, based in Dharamshala, which also serves as the seat of the Tibetan Government-in-exile, is the highest legislative organ of the exile polity.
The current 15th Tibetan Parliament has 44 members, who are elected representing the three traditional provinces, four traditions of Tibetan Buddhism and the traditional Bon religion of Tibet.
The members are directly elected by Tibetan exiles above the age of 18.
