By Kelsang Rinchen
Phayul Reporter
After six grueling days, Tibetan Women’s Association’s 7th General Body Meeting concluded today with the election of new team of executives to head its central office in Dharamsala. The new central executives, elected by the regional executives attending the meeting, were a mix of new faces and some old hands. Former Kalon Rinchen Khando received maximum votes followed by former TWA president Andruk Chokyi. There were fresh entrants from Shimla, Bylakuppe, Clement Town and Kathmandu.
Pursuant to the changes made in the association’s rules and regulation charter at the meeting, the number of executives were reduced from 11 to 7. Five executives will work permanently at the Dharamsala office for the next three years.
There is an apparent sense of uncertainty regarding the possible nod from Kasur Rinchen Khando to take the presidentship of TWA regardless of her win with the largest margin since she was elected in absentia. Andruk Chokyi was also not present at the venue when she was voted with the second highest margin.
A small election committee was set up to oversee the proceedings of the voting exercise. The committee consisted of six representatives from Tibetan Youth Congress, National Democratic Party of Tibet, Tibetan United Association and from the three cholkas.
An interesting practice at the meeting was fine for those who mixed their Tibetan with English language; one English word cost Re 1 each.
Kelsang Rinchen can be contacted at kalsangr@yahoo.com.
