We are Proud of Fulfilling His Holiness' Wishes on Democracy, Says TPiE Speaker

Friday, July 22, 2011

Tibet.net

Speaker Penpa Tsering (2nd R) during his address to the general public at Doeguling Tibetan settlement in Mundgod on 21 July 2011. Also seen in the picture are Mr Thubten Samphel, the Secretary for Information of the Department of Information and International Relations, CTA, (2nd L), and Mr Palden Dhondup, the Settlement Officer of Mundgod (1st L)

MUNDGOD-- The Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile today addressed Tibetan settlers at Doeguling settlement in Mundgod on the process of devolution of His Holiness the Dalai Lama's administrative and political powers to the democratically leadership of the Central Tibetan Administration.

Mr Palden Dhondup, the settlement officer of Mundgod, introduced Speaker Penpa Tsering to a gathering of more than 400 Tibetan settlers at the settlement auditorium.

In his address Mr Penpa Tsering, the Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile, said “it is a matter of pride that the Tibetan parliament was able to fulfill the wishes of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in making appropriate amendments to devolve the power of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to the elected Tibetan political leaders.”

Speaker Penpa Tsering said the idea of devolution of political authority was not something new. “Ever since His Holiness the Dalai Lama, followed by thousands of Tibetans, came into exile, His Holiness thought and carried out some drastic ideas to make the Tibetan administration democratic and more representative. More recently, His Holiness the Dalai Lama put his idea into practice when he persuaded the Tibetan parliament to make amendments in the Charter to hold elections to the post of the Kalon Tripa back in 2001,” he told the gathering.

“His Holiness the Dalai Lama frequently says that we live in the 21st century. The time for kings and priests to rule countries is over,” the Speaker added.
 
He said that the latest development of His Holiness the Dalai Lama fully devolving his political authority to elected leaders was explained in a seven-page letter addressed to the parliament by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The Speaker said that he felt proud that he and the Tibetan parliament have been able to carry this out.

Speaker Penpa Tsering addressing Tibetan settlers at Doeguling Settlement at Mundgod

In his vote of thanks, Mr Ugen Tenzin, the director of the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy, said that in the context of the revolution and political changes sweeping the Middle East and north Africa, the successful carrying out of devolution in the Tibetan community was "significant and historic".

It sends a clear message to China that the issue of Tibet does not involve the personal benefits of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. It concerns the rights and freedoms of the six million Tibetan people. China has to confront this new and changed reality soon, Mr Ugen Tenzin said.