DHARAMSHALA: The 1st session of the recently sworn-in 16th Tibetan Parliament-in-exile concluded today, resolving to maintain unity of the three traditional provinces of Tibet and uphold its cultural values and morality.
In his concluding remarks, Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel lauded the members of the Parliament – new and old – for their wholehearted participation in the discussions and recommendations to improve the administrative functions of the Central Tibetan Administration.
He also gave a brief overview of the proceedings that took place during the 1st session, and strongly appealed everyone to maintain unity and morality, urging the public to refrain from expressing divisive remarks particularly on social media.
The 1st session of the 16th Tibetan Parliament was held for three days from 1 – 3 June 2016. The session passed three resolutions of official mourning – for 144th Tibetan self-immolator Sonam Tso, former parliamentarian Mr Gonpo Dorjee and Tibet supporter Mr Marco Panella. The parliament also passed four resolutions of solidarity with the sufferings of the Tibetans inside Tibet and expressed admiration for their peaceful resistance to Chinese government’s oppression.
One of the most important functions performed by the 1st session of the 16th Tibetan Parliament was the approval of the Kalons nominated by Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay for his Kashag. As per guidelines enshrined in the Charter for Tibetans in exile, the Tibetan Parliament approved all the Kalons nominated by Sikyong following a majority vote held on the floor of the house.
Another salient feature of the 1st session was the extensive discussions held on Tibetan election-related issues. Following the discussions, the parliament unanimously passed a resolution proposed by Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay and supported by Kalon Ven Yuthok Karma Gelek to initiate reforms in the Tibetan electoral process. The resolution urges the formation of a committee – composed of one Kalon, three members of parliament and the Election Commissioner – to formulate recommendations to initiate the reforms particularly with regard to campaign duration. The recommendations of the committee will be submitted to the Tibetan parliamentary secretariat, which in turn will table it for discussion and for formal legislation in the next parliamentary session.
Tomorrow, the Parliamentary secretariat will organise a six-day workshop for the members of the 16th Tibetan Parliament to familairise them on issues such as decorum to be maintained during parliamentary proceedings, CTA’s annual budget, the Middle Way Approach policy and the overall structure, functions and composition of the diverse departments and offices under the Central Tibetan Administration.
