By Tenzin Dharpo
DHARAMSHALA, April 7: Following what may only be described as a severe censure by all spheres of the Tibetan polity and beyond, the incumbent Sikyong (Tibetan PM) Lobsang Sangay and the Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile Penpa Tsering today expressed contrition in a bid to leave behind the tumultuous developments that ensued since the start of the Tibetan general election and the inadequacies pointed out in the administration.
The two were speaking at a joint press conference, which they said, was called in their capacities of head of the two offices (Kashag and TPiE) and as candidates in the Sikyong 2016 race.
“Subsequent to what His Holiness the Dalai Lama said on March 3 (Men-tsee-khang centenary celebrations) on the discrepancies in our work and also our untoward conduct during the election campaign, and the statement from the state oracle censuring the demeanor of the candidates as well as the supporters that transpired in the lead to the elections that has caused disappointment to His Holiness, I express my heart-felt apologies to His Holiness the Dalai Lama,” said Speaker Penpa Tsering.
Penpa Tsering said that the irreversible developments that has already happened should not be held in reference anymore and requested with folded hands that dedicated supporter platforms should now disband as the purpose of those channels have been achieved. “Whether you support the incumbent Sikyong or me, the time has come to merge our efforts in a collective bind. The doctoring of the videos of the audience with the oracles is very unfortunate although I suspect it’s a work of Dhogyal supporters or Pro-Chinese individuals,” Penpa said.
The Incumbent Sikyong Lobsang Sangay who is all set for another term reiterated the sentiments expressed by his fellow Sikyong candidate. He said, “The divinities prophesized by the oracle mentioned that the unity and collectiveness of the Tibetan people has direct effect on the longevity of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. And for the recent unfortunate events that caused anguish to the Tibetan People and especially His Holiness, I tender my apologies and I will apologize until forgiven.”
He further added that his cabinet has set plans to make right the inadequacies pointed out in the areas like preventive healthcare, destitute care, code of conduct, amendments in the election rules and strengthening of unity among Tibetans. “I request everyone that as a Tibetan, we must put our efforts together and refrain from any acts that will lead to fragmenting the unity quotient,” said the Harvard graduate.
The two 2016 Sikyong candidates who many say have been both the proponent and the brunt of the backlash courteously shaked each other’s hands as if to officially atone and move on beyond the tumultuous times.
