By Tenzin Dharpo
DHARAMSHALA, Nov. 10: Following the victory of Donald Trump in the United States Presidencial elections, the Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the exile Tibetan government’s Prime Minister (Sikyong) and the Tibetan parliament passed on congratulatory notes to the President-elect.
The Dalai Lama’s private office expressed admiration over the United State’s record of democracy and peace while acknowledging the contribution of the US in providing assistance and support towards Tibetans from respective former Presidents.
The Tibetan PM Dr. Lobsang Sangay wrote, “On behalf of the Central Tibetan Administration and the Tibetan people, I would like to congratulate you and your party’s victory in the US presidential election and wish you the best for your new responsibility as the president of the great nation of United States of America.”
Sangay also raised hope that the US will continue support for the Tibetan cause saying, “As you have promised in your victory speech, ‘to deal fairly with everyone’ in the world community while keeping the national interest at front, we appeal to you and your Administration to use your good offices to continue your support for the peaceful resolution of the Tibetan issue through dialogue.”
The TPiE Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel also passed on similar greetings. He wrote, “Your Excellency, Tibetans living under the Chinese rule and Tibetans across the free world are eternally grateful to the people and the government of the United States of America, irrespective of their party affiliations, who have consistently rendered deep interest and support for the Tibetan issue and have maintained cordial relationship with Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama. We hope it will be continued under your leadership as well.”
The Republican Party nominee who was widely criticized for his un-presidential antics for his racist and sexist remarks won the elections despite major polls predicting that his counterpart Hillary Clinton would win. During his campaign trail, he made alarming assurances such as to build a wall around the border with neighboring Mexico as well as to deport Muslims in the country. Experts say that Donald Trump’s portrayal of an anti-establishment figure led to his victory and that it reflects the angst of many Americans who place receding trust in the government.
The 70 year old businessman from New York who secured 288 electoral votes over Clinton’s 218 in the elections will assume office in two months as the 45th President of the United States.
