His Holiness’Political Retirement - What Now for Tibet? By C. Couffinhal, M. Marek, H. Zimmerman and D. Creg Since the 17th Century, the Ganden Phodrang the system of Dalai Lamas- the Tibetan supreme authorities, have combined the nations temporal and spiritual powers. After escaping from Tibet in 1959, the 14th Dalai Lama, who was followed by most members of his government and 80,000 Tibetans, decided to reconstitute a government in exile whose mission is both to support Tibetan refugees and “restore freedom “in Tibet. He founded a government in exile, modeled on the Tibetan mode.Although the current Tibetan Government in exile is based on a democratic system, this political practice is still a novelty for most Tibetans in exile who have only a vague idea of what it democracy means Once in exile, the Dalai Lama immediately held a number of reforms that continue even today. In 1963, he promulgated a democratic constitution for Tibet and set up the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) in Dharamsala, India. Known as the Tibetan government in exile, this administration continues the political struggle of the Tibetan people for independence of their country. This constitution was again reformed and strengthened in 1991 through the Charter of Tibetans in exile, before entitlement to a new development in 2001. Further advances were made in 2001 when the position of Prime Minister (Kalon Tripa) was
elected by universal suffrage. Professor Samdhong Rinpoche ran unchallenged in both the 2001 and 2006 elections cycles. Currently, 79,111 Tibetans have registered to vote in the preliminary round in October and 3300 voters have been registered since last October. More than 82,000 Tibetans were called to vote with the majority residing in India, Nepal and Bhutan. The rest of the community lives in the northern states of America, in countries throughout Western Europe, Australia and various other countries. The last 20th March, Tibetan people elected their new Prime Minister. The announcement of His Holiness retirement only 10 days before the prime minister elections was not a coincidence. One explanation for this choice of timing was to be sought in the general elections that were held on March 20, during which Tibetans elected their third prime minister. The event “marked the transition from a system in which one man concentrated power to a democratically elected government” said an Indian newspaper. Over the past few months the Middle East has been embroiled in turmoil, while citizens from Tunisia to Yemen have risked their lives to regain their freedom from powerful autocratic dictators. At the same time, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who has served as both the spiritual and political leader of Tibet, has been striving to devolve his political power. “No system of governance can ensure stability and progress if it depends solely on one person without the support and participation of the people in the political process. Surprisingly, the process has not
been as straight-forward as one might expect. Many Tibetans, from politicians to civilians, have been hesitant in accepting His Holiness’s political resignation. Considered one of the most popular and successful leaders of the 21st century, Tibetans have been reluctant to let their luminary step down. For the past 59 years His Holiness has unrelentingly led his people into the future; Tibetans regard their leader with an unparalleled level of reverence and respect, not only for what he represents or who he is, but for what he has done for them. “Given that the line of the Dalai Lamas has provided political leadership for nearly four centuries, it might be difficult for Tibetans generally and especially those in Tibet to envisage and accept a political system that is not led by the Dalai Lama”, recognizes His Holiness. “I want to acknowledge here that many of my fellow Tibetans, inside and outside Tibet, have earnestly requested me to continue to give political leadership at this critical time. My intention to devolve political authority derives neither from a wish to shirk responsibility nor because I am disheartened.” On the contrary, His Holiness intends to continue struggling for Tibetan freedom, out of a responsibility shared by all Tibetans. However, it is necessary to accept the leader’s mortality and secure the Tibetan struggle’s sustainability. It is extremely important that we ensure the continuity of our exile Tibetan administration and our struggle until the issue of Tibet has been successfully resolved.” His Holiness’s official letter of (continued on page 4)
Tensions in Kirti Monastery - Peace Monk March from Dharamsala to Delhi By Caroline Couffinhal In Dharamsala, hundreds of Kirti monastary monks began a long march for peace in support of Kirti monastary in Tibet. In defiance of the sweltering summer heat, the monks will walk approximately 500 miles in a week from Dharamsala to Delhi. On April 26, hundreds of monks and concerned
members of the public gathered at the main temple where His Holiness held a morning prayer service followed by the start of the March. Subsequet to the self immolation of a Kirti monastary monk, Phuntsok on March 16th, Chinese officials lockeddown of the Tibetan Buddhist monastery in southwestern China indefinitely.
With tensions high, clashes have continuously erupted between Chinese security forces and local Tibetans. According to TCHRD, there have been several casualities thus far. The date also coincided with the third anniversary of the 2008 uprising and to protest the continued repression in Tibet. (continued on page 3)