Dharamshala: On Sunday, 16 November 2025, Chief Election Commissioner Lobsang Yeshi led the Central Tibetan Election Commission in convening a training session for Regional Election Officers on the upcoming 2025–2026 General Elections of the Sikyong and the 18th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, along with the accompanying Election Code of Conduct.

The training commenced with the traditional lighting of the butter lamp, followed by an offering of obeisance. Regional Election Officers from various Tibetan Settlement Offices participated in the session. The training was presided over by Chief Election Commissioner Lobsang Yeshi, Secretary of the Election Commission Lobsang Choedak, Additional Secretary Tenzin Norbu, and Additional Election Commissioners Nangsa Choedon and Tsering Youdon.

Other attendees included Additional Secretary Namgyal Tsewang, the Bureau Chief of Tibet News Bureau at the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR); Section Officer Tenzin Lhakyi; and Office Assistant Dhondup Palmo from the Chief Election Commission office.

Additional Secretary Tenzin Norbu delivered the opening remarks, highlighting the objectives of the workshop and the importance of strengthening the preparedness of election officers ahead of the election.

This was followed by an address from Chief Election Commissioner Lobsang Yeshi, who elaborated on the election rules, regulations, and fundamental guidelines governing the Tibetan electoral process. He underscored key procedures, including voter registration, voting methods, the responsibilities of election officers, handling of invalid ballots, and penalties for electoral misconduct.

The Chief Election Commissioner emphasised the importance of informed voter participation and highlighted the collective responsibility of ensuring a free, fair, and transparent election. He encouraged Regional Election Officers to perform their duties with diligence and integrity throughout all stages of the electoral process.

In his addresses, he also shared the official slogan for the 2025–2026 Tibetan Elections: “I AM TIBET, I VOTE FOR TIBET”, symbolising the unity, agency, and democratic strength of the Tibetan people. He further noted that the success of the elections would be a shared achievement for all Tibetans.

Throughout his address, Lobsang Yeshi also raised concerns about the challenges faced by local Tibetan settlement communities, particularly the difficulties confronting seasonal sweater sellers during their annual business period.

In his concluding remarks, he expressed that the training would provide clear guidance on the rules and procedures to be upheld during the election period, reaffirming the critical role of Regional Election Officers in safeguarding electoral integrity.

The session continued after lunch with further briefings from Additional Election Commissioners Nangsa Choedon and Tsering Youdon, who elaborated on operational preparations and responsibilities for the upcoming elections. The workshop extended until 5 p.m., during which the Election Commissioners provided additional guidance and clarifications on various election-related matters.

The Election Commissioner also responded to queries from the attendees, addressing questions and offering further clarification on election-related procedures. The day-long training aimed to improve democratic participation and raise awareness of electoral procedures across Tibetan settlements and communities in preparation for the forthcoming general elections. Secretary Lobsang Choedak of the Central Tibetan Election Commission delivered the concluding remarks formally bringing the training session to a close.