Democracy

Prelim voting in Tsuglagkhang, Mcleod Ganj. 2015-10-18

The exhibit highlights the evolution of the Tibetan democracy. It features the establishment of first Commission of Tibetan People’s Deputy (CTPD) in 1960, the direct election of Kalon Tripa by the exiled Tibetans followed by His Holiness’ devolution of political authority to an elected Tibetan leadership in 2011.
The Tibetan term for “democracy” is mang.tso — mang meaning majority, and tso; chief, sovereign or main. Democracy is, as Abraham Lincoln stated in his Gettysburg address, a system of government “of the people, by the people, for the people.” It encompasses social, economic and cultural conditions that enable the free and equal practice of political self-determination.

Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche, Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in- Exile signing the Tibetan passed unanimously by the Parliament on 14 June 1991

Members of the First Kashag

The Democratic Constitution for the Future Tibet was promulgated by His Holiness the Dalai Lama on 10 march 1963.

1st ATPD 2nd Sept 1960 to 19th Feb 1964

His Holiness the Dalai Lama presiding over the Eleventh Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, Dharamshala, 1994

His Holiness on 13th session, Sept 2004

Election commissioners and Parliament members counting votes cast by the Tibetan people for the thirteenth Kalon Tripa's Office, Dharamshala, 1996

Newly-elected Kalon TRipa Dr. Lobsang Sangay taking oath of office from the Tibetan Supreme Justice Commissioner, Ngawang Phelgyal Genchen, in the presence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama at Tsuglagkhang, Dharamshala, 8 August 2011