DHARAMSHALA, India, May 31 — The newly elected members of the 18th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile were sworn in Sunday before the interim speaker in the northern Indian hill town of Dharamshala.
The Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile comprises 45 members, including 10 representatives each from Tibet’s three traditional regions, two representatives each from five Tibetan religious traditions, two members from North America, two from Europe, and one from Australasia. The newly elected body includes 18 first-time members.
Dawa Tsering, the interim speaker, said the oath-taking ceremony marked the formal beginning of the new parliamentary term.
“We just had the oath-taking ceremony of all 45 newly elected members of the 18th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile. They took an oath before the interim speaker. The election of the speaker and deputy speaker will be held later today, and their swearing-in ceremony will be held tomorrow. The Tibetan Parliament is committed to working hard for the cause of Tibet,” Tsering told ANI.
He also raised concerns about policies affecting Tibetans in China, including what he described as colonial-style boarding schools for Tibetan children.
“China is creating serious challenges for Tibetans, including the establishment of colonial-style boarding schools for Tibetan children. We continue to seek solutions to these issues. Tibet was an independent country before 1959, and now we are seeking international support to put pressure on China,” Tsering said.
Lhamo Kyap, one of the newly elected parliamentarians, said he had long wanted to contribute to the Tibetan cause and viewed his election as an opportunity to serve the community.
“I always had a strong desire to do something for the cause of Tibet. That motivated me to contest the election and become a member of Parliament. Now I want to serve society and contribute to our community,” he said.
Another newly elected member, Gompo Dhondup, also expressed his commitment to advancing the Tibetan cause and thanked the Tibetan community for its support.
Earlier this week, Brand Kroeger, senior adviser to U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, attended the swearing-in ceremony of the 17th Kashag, or Cabinet, of the Central Tibetan Administration in Dharamshala, according to a U.S. Embassy spokesperson.
Penpa Tsering, who served as Sikyong of the 16th Kashag, was sworn in Wednesday as the head of the 17th Kashag following his reelection. The ceremony was held at the Tsuglagkhang courtyard in the presence of the Dalai Lama, according to a statement issued by the Central Tibetan Administration. (ANI)
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