By Tenzin Monlam
DHARAMSHALA, March 13: A leading female politician of the Tibetan Diaspora and an incumbent Minister (Kalon) Dolma Gyari, yesterday extended her support to the incumbent Prime Minister (Sikyong) Dr. Lobsang Sangay for the 2016 elections.
Speaking on the sidelines of a public talk by Sangay at the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts on Saturday, Dolma said, “There is a reason why the Tibetan Charter clearly states the 10 years of Sikyongship in two terms. The present Kashag has undertaken many initiatives, some of which have accomplished successfully and others, depending on the nature of the work, need a continued effort. Therefore, if Sikyong Lobsang Sangay gets re-elected it will have a holistic benefit.”
After the resignation of former Kalon Dicki Chhoyang from the Department of Information and International Relations on February 28, Dolma now remains the only female Kalon in the current Kashag (cabinet).
She also said that despite having differing views on some matters, the incumbent Sikyong and her do get along on most matters. She said she is given the opportunity and the platform to speak her mind.
“It is highly applaudable to have led a cohesive Kashag for the last four and half years. With this reason I am extending my support,” she said.
In interviews to various media houses earlier, Dicki Chhoyang said that she personally is going to vote for Sikyong candidate and current Speaker Penpa Tsering on March 20.
“I have worked for over four and half years with both the Sikyong candidates in the same environment. Through my personal experience of getting to know their work ethics and considerations, I am voting for Penpa Tsering,” she said.
She also said that it is sad to see people making decision and judging a candidate by appearance, personality or provinces. She urged every Tibetan to responsibly exercise the voting rights, which she said was a gift from His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
