Dharamshala: After the completion of the first segment of the electoral training program for the regional election commissioners from North, Central and South India at New Delhi, the Election Commission conducted the same training for the Regional Election commissioners from North east, Nepal and Bhutan.

The workshop is conducted from 11 to 13 October at the conference hall of Hotel Tibet, Gangtok. There are total number of 16 participants.

The inaugural program was presided over by Tsering Yangkyi, Secretary of the Election Commission. The incumbent Deputy Speaker of the Gangtok Tibetan Local Assembly and the heads of 6 Tibetan NGOs of Gangtok were invited as guests.

In her inaugural speech,Secretary Tsering Yangkyi spoke about the significance, relevance and advantage of the workshop. She highlighted the need and importance of reviewing the electoral process including the challenges faced and lessons learned from the last election. She said that this will better inform the election commission’s strategic planning for the next election. This training program focusses on why you are doing what you are doing. The electoral education is essential to promote a free, fair and credible election.

Secretary Tsering Yangkyi thanked the DRL of the US State Department for sponsoring the training program and IFES for its expertise.

The resource persons for the International Electoral Administration are Rushdi Nackerdien, senior global advisor for Training and capacity building program, Vasu Mohan, senior global advisor for conflict, displacement and minority rights programs of IFES and Tenzing Donyo, a Tibetan expert in research, policy and evaluation projects, promoting best practices in methodologies and dissemination. Session on Tibetan Electoral Rules and Regulations will be taken by Wangdu Tsering Pesur, the Election Commissioner.

Taking the opportunity, Secretary also extended her gratitude to the six Tibetan NGOs for always being at hand to help the Gangtok Tibetan settlement office. She requested the six NGOs to continue their valuable support including motivating the people to exercise their right to vote. Election is the backbone of Democracy. And, voters must be well informed, educated and motivated to elect their democratic leadership.

The inaugural program concluded with a vote of thanks by Phurbu Dolma, Section officer of the Election commission.

-Filed by the Election Commission.