Tibetan parliament-in-exile elects two additional election commissioners

The Tibetan parliament-in-exile has elected two seasoned women leaders, Tsering Youdon and Nangsa Choedon, as additional election commissioners, marking a key step in preparations for the 2026 general parliamentary elections.

Youdon, a former parliamentarian, won with 30 votes against 11 secured by her opponent Karma Lekshay. Choedon, a veteran civil servant, received 32 votes, defeating Dr Kunchok Tsundue, who also polled 11 votes.

Their appointments fulfil requirements under the Charter of Tibetans-in-Exile and the election rules, which mandate two commissioners to serve alongside the Chief Election Commissioner during Sikyong (President) and parliamentary elections.

The tenure of election commissioners begins from coming October 1, officially launching the electoral process for one of the most prominent stateless democratic institutions in the world. The commission will then announce the schedule for preliminary and final elections and conduct awareness programmes among Tibetan diaspora communities across Asia, Europe, and North America.

Youdon brings decades of grassroots and parliamentary experience, having chaired the Hunsur Rabgyeling Nyamdel and served two terms representing Domey province.

Choedon, regarded as one of the most experienced administrators in the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), has held senior posts including Kalon (Minister) for Health, Secretary for Education and Health, and representative of the Dalai Lama in South Africa.

Meanwhile, the Tibetan Election Commission has urged the public to remain vigilant against misinformation and rely on official announcements.

The elections are seen as a reaffirmation of the exile community’s commitment to democratic governance at a time when Tibet remains under Chinese rule and Beijing refuses to recognise the CTA. Analysts say the 2026 elections will once again test the resilience of Tibetan democracy in exile. Last year, the parliament elected Lobsang Yeshi, a two-time MP, as Chief Election Commissioner to conduct the polls.