Dharamshala: Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay congratulated new Sikyong-elect Penpa Tsering and 45 new members elected to the 17th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile after the official results of the 2021 elections were declared this afternoon.
In brief remarks via TTV Facebook, Sikyong Lobsang Sangay who has held the office for two consecutive terms said he had spoken to Penpa Tsering to congratulate him on the election victory and offered his full cooperation to ensure a smooth transition of power.
Towards that endeavor, Sikyong and the Kashag had also proposed 26 May for the oath ceremony to take place as the day coincides with two auspicious Buddhist occasions: the full moon (the 15th day) of Saga Dawa also called the Festival of Vaishakha and White Wednesday, Lhakar.
‘Finally, in case a physical ceremony is rendered unfeasible, as we are still in the midst of the Covid crisis, my colleagues and I offer our full cooperation in ensuring the transition take place through online means if required.”
Penpa Tsering, the former speaker of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, was announced the new Sikyong, also called President of the Central Tibetan Administration, after the Chief Election Commission declared the final results Friday afternoon.
The 2021 general election for Sikyong of the 16th Kashag and members of the 17th Tibetan Parliament is the third direct election of the Tibetan leadership since the complete devolution of political authority by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 2011.