Penpa Tsering throws his hat into 2021 Sikyong election
DHARAMSALA, 3 Sept: Former Speaker of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile Penpa Tsering has confirmed his bid for the upcoming 2021 Sikyong(President) election of the Tibetan-government-in-exile, officially known as Central Tibetan Administration(CTA).
Penpa Tsering confirmed speculation of his run for the CTA’s top job by announcing his candidacy through Facebook live on Wednesday evening.
“On the special occasion of the 60th Tibetan Democracy day, I am officially declaring my candidacy for the 2021 Sikyong election,” the former Tibetan Representative of North America said.
He further went on to say that he has long pledged to dedicate his whole life for the service of Tibet and Tibetan people and added that his commitment has remained the same.
The former Speaker added that the experience he has amassed through his public service that spans over 30 years has groomed him for the top job as he made the case for his candidacy.
Penpa Tsering is the seventh candidate to throw his ring into the 2021 Sikyong election. Other candidates running for 2021 Sikyong are Former CTA Kalon Gyari Dolma and Lobsang Nyandak, TPIE’s Deputy Speaker Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok, Tashi Wangdue, Ragya Tenzin and Kelsang Dorjee Aukatsang (Kaydor).
Though the Tibetan Election Commission declared open 2021 Sikyong and members of the 17th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile on 5 August and expressed its commitment to conduct elections “as per the stipulated time period, despite the current challenges precipitated by the COVID-19 crisis,” it is yet to set the poll dates.
