Voter registration deadline extended for Tibetan Parliament-in-exile polls

The Central Election Commission of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) has extended the voter registration deadline for the upcoming elections of the Sikyong (President) and members of the 18^th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile to November 30 following appeals from the Tibetan settlements and local election committees across India and abroad.

The Election Commission cited Articles 17, 18, 20 and 21 of the Charter of Tibetans-in-Exile election rules while issuing these orders. 

The original registration schedule was set between October 8 and November 8 with a provision allowing Tibetans turning 18 within this period to register until November 23. However, invoking Article 20, which permits supplementary registration within 14 days of the deadline, the Commission approved a universal extension for all eligible voters.

The Commission noted that a large number of Tibetans are currently engaged in the annual hosiery business, a primary livelihood activity that keeps families away from their settlements from September to February. Many settlement officers and local election organisers are also occupied in the hosiery business, prompting requests for additional time to complete voter registration formalities.

However, the CEC declined appeals from some regional election committees seeking postponement of the preliminary poll. The Commission reiterated that, under sub-section 6 of Article 16, timelines set by the Central Election Commission are binding and cannot be altered due to local circumstances.

The CEC further clarified that Tibetans who have already registered in their home constituencies and plan to vote from the same location do not need to reregister, provided their Green Book remains valid at the time of voting. Those planning to vote from another constituency or registering for the first time must ensure their names are listed in the electoral rolls of their intended voting location before the extended deadline.

The preliminary election is scheduled for February 1, 2026, followed by the final election on April 26, 2026. Results for both the presidential and parliamentary elections will be announced on May 13, 2026.

The Central Election Commission has stated that the extension is aimed at ensuring maximum participation and upholding the democratic principles of the Tibetan community in exile.