Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, Mar. 29: In a significant development during the twelfth day of its 2025 budget session, the 17th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile (TPiE) elected a new Chief Justice Commissioner, two justices for the Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission (TSJC), and an Auditor General for the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) through a secret ballot on Saturday.
Filling the position of the long-vacant post, Yeshi Wangmo, formerly serving as the secretary of the TSJC, secured the position through a secret ballot, garnering 31 votes against fellow candidate, Sonam Gyalsten, who received 12 votes. She is the first woman to hold this prestigious position.
The lawmakers also elected two Justices of the Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission. MP Dawa Phunkyi secured 25 votes, defeating his contenders Phurbu Dorjee, who received 9 votes, and MP Youdon Aukatsang, who garnered 4 votes. Meanwhile, former Security Department minister Phagpa Tsering was elected with 31 votes, surpassing Gyaritsang, who received 11 votes. They will serve as two Justices of the apex Tibetan judicial body after taking oath of office.
Additionally, the house elected Tashi Topgyal as the new Auditor General of the CTA’s Audit Office. He secured 32 votes for the position, which had remained vacant following the untimely passing of Lhakpa Gyaltsen, who was elected to the post during the general session of 2024.
