AUSTRALIA: Canberra, the capital of Australia, seat of the Parliament and the heart of Australian democracy, aptly hosted the Australasian debate for Chithue (MP) candidates for the seat of Asia (excluding India, Nepal and Bhutan) and Australasia on 3 October.
The debate was organised by the ACT (Australian Capital Territory) Tibetan Community and featured 8 of the 10 candidates standing for the election (Jigme Dorjee, Khonnyi Tsang Phurbu Tashi, Kyinzom Dhongdue, Ngodup Gyaltsen, Nigan Gotsang, Sandup Tsering, Thupten Dhondup and Tsundu Oser).
The debate provided an opportunity for the candidates to convey their motivation for standing up for the elections and their proposals and agendas for the future. The Tibetan community in Canberra were also able to question the candidates on their personal views and opinions on various issues, ranging from the preservation of Tibetan culture and identity, the hunger strike by Jhonang monks, Dhogyal protesters, effective representation of Tibetans outside Australia, to their stance on the Middle path approach and complete independence.
The debate was moderated by Mr. Tenzin P. Atisha, former Secretary of Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR), Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), emceed by Tenzin Dolma Dagpo, General Secretary of ACT Tibetan Community, and was attended by Mr. Lhakpa Tshoko, Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia, as well as by the current Chithue (MP) Dolkar Kyab.
President of the ACT Tibetan Community, Sonam Choedon noted, “The event was a great success and almost the entire community was present due to their interest in the candidates who will be representing them in the future. The debate will prove to be very beneficial in their decision on 18th October, 2015, when the preliminary round of voting will be held.”
Representative Mr. Lhakpa Tshoko stated, “The Tibetan communities in Australia have been exercising their precious democratic rights & responsibilities by voluntarily organizing debates for the Chithue (MP) candidates.”
The debate was first organized by the Tibetan community in Sydney, followed by Melbourne and today by the Canberra community.
“From my observation, the Canberra debate was the most successful in terms of organization, structure and the content of the issues discussed during question time,” he said.
– Report filed by Tenzin Dolma Dagpo, ACT –
