Schedule announced for Sikyong, Tibetan parliament-in-exile elections

The Central Election Commission (CEC) of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) has announced the schedule for the 2026 general elections to the post of Sikyong (president) and the 18th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile.

The preliminary elections will be held on February 1 next year, followed by the final round on April 26.

Chief Election Commissioner Lobsang Yeshi, accompanied by Additional Election Commissioners Nangsa Choedon and Tsering Youdon, made the announcement at the Lhakpa Tsering Auditorium of the Department of Information and International Relations in McLeodganj.

The voter registration process will begin on October 8 and conclude on November 8. Tibetans, who turn 18 by November 23, 2025, will be eligible to register, provided they have cleared their Green Book dues up to March 31, 2026.

Announcing the election slogan — “I AM TIBET, I VOTE FOR TIBET” — the Commission urged Tibetans in exile to participate actively and responsibly in the democratic process. The CEC also thanked the 17th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile for concluding its term early, enabling simultaneous elections for both the President and Parliament.

As per electoral norms, the final round of the Sikyong election will be contested between the two candidates securing the highest votes in the preliminary stage. The 18th Parliament will comprise 45 members, including representatives from the three traditional provinces, the four major Buddhist schools, and Tibetan communities across the Americas, Europe, Africa and the Asia-Pacific region.

The Election Commission reiterated its commitment to a free and fair process while urging strict adherence to the 14-point code of conduct. Candidates have been barred from using the image of the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan national flag, or the CTA emblem in campaign materials. They have also been cautioned against divisive rhetoric, bribery and misuse of social media.