Dharamshala: This morning on Wednesday, 28 January 2026, Chief Election Commissioner Lobsang Yeshi, accompanied by Additional Election Commissioners Tsering Youdon and Nangsa Choedon, held a PRESS CONFERENCE at Lhakpa Tsering Hall, Department of Information and International Relations (CTA).

The press conference was convened to share preliminary details of the upcoming 2026 Tibetan General Elections for the posts of Sikyong and members of the 18th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile. The briefing covered key election schedules, reiterated official guidelines, and addressed other concerns.

For the forthcoming elections, the Election Commission has established 309 polling zones under the supervision of 87 Regional Election Offices with a total of 1,737 election officers across 27 countries. In view of the seasonal retail activities of Tibetan sweater sellers coinciding with the general election period, 31 polling zones have also been arranged for those who are away from their settlements.

As preliminary voting for the Sikyong and members of the 18th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile approaches, Chief Election Commissioner Lobsang Yeshi reiterated key electoral guidelines to ensure a smooth and successful election during the press conference. He called on Regional Election Officers to resolve election-related issues fairly and promptly. CTA staff were urged to refrain from influencing or participating in the electoral process, except in exercising their right to vote and performing their assigned electoral duties. The Chief Election Commissioner emphasised the Election Commission’s zero-tolerance policy toward any form of electoral malpractice. He also appealed to the general public to exercise caution regarding irresponsible social media posts and commentaries to prevent disruption. Tibetan organisations and institutions were requested to avoid manipulation through regulatory amendments. And, candidates who are serving CTA dignitaries were encouraged to minimise or defer official visits, except for engagements deemed essential.

To acknowledge the independent functioning of the Election Commission, the Chief Election Commissioner provided clarifications and supporting examples of its operations in several cases. These included the Commission’s formal requests and cautionary notices issued to candidates. The Commission also recommended that certain departments of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) either postpone or refrain from inviting candidates as chief guests during the electoral period to avoid influencing the election. According to a press release, a similar request had previously been made to a non-governmental organisation to refrain from hosting events during the electoral process.

The clarifications further referenced a notice issued to a Sikyong candidate, advising caution regarding comments that could potentially violate electoral regulations, and to monk Dorjee of Nechung Monastery concerning his remarks on the prophecies of the state oracle Nechung.

In a separate case, the Election Commission revoked the voting rights and candidacy of sMenpa Ngawang Lodoe of Tara Sorig Clinic as a penalty for violations of the regulations outlined in the Charter of Tibetans in Exile and the Commission’s electoral rules. These violations involved making allegations and defamatory remarks concerning Parliamentarian candidate Lhagyari Namgyal Dolkar.