By Tenzin Dharpo
DHARAMSHALA, March 21: A group of international Parliamentarians under the International Network of Parliamentarians on Tibet (INPAT) visiting the seat of exile Tibetan government to observe the 2016 elections spoke highly of the developments of the Tibetan general elections that concluded yesterday.
The parliamentarians said, “We are pleased to see how Tibetans all over the free world have once again strongly embraced democracy as the best way to achieve the aspirations of a better future for the Tibetan people, which unfortunately continues to be denied to 6 million Tibetans in Tibet. We wish to praise the Tibetan people for their commitment and enthusiasm in participating both in the campaign and in the voting process.”
The representatives lauded the proceedings of the ‘Election Day’ acknowledging it was “conducted peacefully and overall in an orderly and calm manner”.
On the two Sikyong candidates, the group said, “The election of the Sikyong was competitive and Tibetans had the opportunity to choose between the incumbent, Lobsang Sangay, and the Speaker of the Parliament, Penpa Tsering. The two candidates became more active after the primaries held in October 2015 and until the very end of the campaign period.”
“Supporters of both candidates have been vocal during the campaign with an extensive use of social media and the organization of large public events. The campaign was hard fought and at times personal,” the release added.
The ‘observation mission’ is set to make public a report pushing on areas related to campaign finance regulation with a particular focus on cap limits for electoral expenses, participation of women, regional voting system and the representation of religious sects in the Parliament and the need to ensure all Tibetans in the free world are able to vote.
The delegation consisted of INPAT members Mr. Thomas Mann, MEP – Germany, Mr. Andre’ Gattolin, French Senator, Mr. Consiglio Di Nino, Former Senator of Canada and Chair of Canada Tibet Committee, Ms. Lisa Singh, Australian Senator, Mr. Norman Baker, Former MP of UK and Chair of Tibet Society, Ms. Zsuzsa Anna Ferenczy, Assistant of M. Laszlo Tokes-Member of the European Parliament/European People’s Party, Mr. Matteo Mecacci, Former Italian Parliament Member and President of ICT, Washington and also Mr. Bhuchung K. Tsering, Vice President of ICT from Washington DC.
