Dharamshala, April 15 – The preliminary rounds of election for the post of welfare officer of Dharamshala was held today. Polling booths have been set up at eight different areas in and around Dharamshala. The previous election did not give any candidate the number of votes required under the rules and regulations of the election commission of the Central Tibetan Administration. The Kashag, therefore, appointed the present welfare officer of Dharamshala.
However, the local Tibetan Assembly expressed the need for the welfare officer to be elected by the people of Dharamshala. Responding to the need, the Kashag asked the local Tibetan Assembly to gather public opinion on it and the majority of the Dharamshalas public expressed the wish that the residents of Dharamshala elect the welfare officer.
“The 12th Kashag strives to have as much local leaders directly elected by the people as possible and also enhance the Local Assemblies with greater potential as are clearly outlined in the charter for Tibetans in exile. I like to request the Assembly of Tibetan Peoples Deputies and the masses to facilitate and support us in this endeavour,” said Kalon Tripa Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche in his statement on the 42nd Democracy Day in 2002.
The final election will be held on 29 April 2005.
