Lobsang Sangay Re-elected as Prime Minister by Tibetans in Exile

Sangay got a 57% majority to beat his rival Penpa Tsering in the Central Tibetan Administration election.

Tibetan activists represent the two Tibetans they claim were killed recently by Chinese police in Kardze, Tibet, during a street protest in Dharamsala, India, on Friday, 1 April 2016. Protesters also claim that three Tibetans were arrested for discussing the recent Tibetan elections in exile on social media in Tibet. (AP Photo/Ashwini Bhatia)

Tibetans in exile around the world voted on 20 April 2016 in favour of Lobsang Sangay, the incumbent leader for the post of ‘Sikyong’ or Prime Minister.

Sangay captured a 57% majority, cementing his victory over his rival Penpa Tsering. Approximately 60,000 votes were cast in the final round. Sangay led in all the European countries and North America. However, Tsering captured the majority in the exile Tibetan capital Dharamsala

The Harvard- educated Sangay was first elected as PM in 2011 when the Dalai Lama gave up his political powers to a directly-elected leader.

I hope to do much better. Both on political terms, by holding dialogue with the Chinese, and working on welfare issues in the next five years.

Lobsang Sangay, Newly Elected Tibetan Prime Minister

Sangay is all set to lead the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), having promised better education and entrepreneurship in the Tibetan Society. Creation of awareness on Tibet and education of the exiled youth are also issues that the voters want the new government to address.

However, China does not recognise the CTA, which is based in Dharamsala. One of the main issues that lies before Sangay’s government is the grant of more autonomy in Tibet “within the Chinese constitution”.