MOSCOW: Despite having one of the smallest Tibetan communities in the world, Tibetans in Russia took part in the final election of SIkyong and members of the Tibetan Parliament on 20 March 2016.

Tibetans from various regions of Russia, some from as far away in Siberia in the east to the Caspian Sea and Volga Rivers in the west, came to cast their ballots to choose the future Political leader and the member of parliament representing Australasia.

Currently, there are over 50 Tibetans living in Russia in various regions and there are 31 registered voters. Some were not able to register on time.

From the far east Siberia in the Republic of Buryat, there is 8 registered voters, to the west by Caspian Sea in the Republic of Kalmykia 6, Moscow 15 and Republic of Tuva having the smallest registered voter of 2 out of total of 4 Tibetans living there.

The final result will be sent to the Election Commission and will be announced as per rules and regulation.

“This is the largest election participation of Tibetans in Russia since the opening of Tibet Office in Russia in 1993 and we are satisfied with everyone’s eagerness and dedication to exercise their democratic rights,” said Honorary Representative Telo Tulku Rinpoche.

Dhondup Tsering (Shola), President of Moscow Tibetan association said “I have been living in Russian for 25 years and today is the first time I participated in any election. Not because I had no desire to vote but because the previous elections were not well organised or the community was poorly informed”

The ballots will be sent to Moscow Tibet Office in Russia from the regions in Russia and will be counted by the designated officers and sent to Election Commission in Dharamsala.

– Report filed by Office of Tibet, Russia –