Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, Sept. 25: The incumbent President of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), speaking to Phayul on Wednesday, indicated his willingness to seek a second term in office during next year’s election, but firmly ruled out active campaigning, citing concerns over morality in politics and the potential risks of politicization within the Tibetan exile community.
“I am physically healthy, age-wise-still okay. So another term, if people feel that I can be useful, then I’ll serve,” the President told Phayul. “But I’m not going to campaign. I want to bring some morality into politics.”
The President cautioned against practices that mimic electoral politics around the world, such as high spending on campaigns or overly elaborate electioneering. He argued that such approaches could backfire under India’s jurisdiction. “Sometimes we behave as if we spent so much money on election campaigns. I think if the Indian government becomes stricter in the future, if they don’t allow it, what will happen? If we become too colourful, behave like independent countries, then we put ourselves in the soup. We are to be blamed, nobody else.”
He further acknowledged that democracy, while essential, is inherently divisive and reiterated his pledge not to contribute to further rifts within the community. “My promise is I will not take part in any activity that will divide the community more.”
When Phayul asked whether he would participate in interviews or public forums during the election season, the President pointed to election rules that restrict sitting officials from discussing past Cabinet achievements or future plans. “Now the rules also say a sitting President, or a sitting minister, cannot talk about past deeds of the Cabinet, and cannot talk about the future plans of the Cabinet. Then what do I talk about?”
He explained that other potential candidates currently serving in the Cabinet, such as ministers Gyari Dolma, Tharlam Dolma, or Norzin Dolma, would have to resign from their positions before entering the race. “Because the whole idea is not to misuse government machinery for personal gain,” he said.
Even if he wished to campaign, the President added, he would face a dilemma of stepping down months ahead of the election, which is impractical. “You can’t leave office for eight months to get re-elected for another five years. So when the law bars you from speaking about this, then if I go and speak, I’ll be going against the law, election rules.”
The President stressed the sanctity of the individual vote, calling it the cornerstone of the exile democratic process. “During elections, it’s the right of every single individual to vote for who they want to vote for. Nobody can influence, or no community can decide for all of them. It’s your individual right to vote. So that has to be followed.”
He urged candidates and supporters alike to avoid negative campaigning, which he said only deepens rifts in the community. “The rest, don’t speak ill of others. What you can do, speak for yourself. Then it will bring [unity], because our people are not used to democracy, they don’t understand all the complications, and then they make it very difficult, supporting this.”
Drawing comparisons with Western electoral systems, he remarked, “Even the American system is not necessarily the best system of democracy. So what people need to know is the background of that person, what position that person is in terms of politics, and all that. Then you decide how much experience. Without experience, it’s very difficult.”
With his statement, the CTA President has confirmed that while he remains open to extending his tenure if elected, his approach to the election will be markedly restrained. By refraining from campaigning and avoiding public forums, he signalled his intent to set a different tone for Tibetan exile politics — one that he believes will minimize division and emphasize responsibility within India’s legal framework.
In a press release issued last month, the Election Commission clarified its mandate as speculation around the upcoming elections grew. It emphasised that the electoral process would officially commence with the assumption of office by the two Additional Commissioners on October 1, 2025. Following their oath, the Commission— comprising the Chief Election Commissioner and the two Additional Commissioners , will announce the schedule for the preliminary and final elections and undertake visits to Tibetan communities worldwide to raise awareness of election rules and regulations.
One Response
The present Honorable Sikyong is doing a wonderful job at the international stage in spear heading our cause as well as with in our exile diaspora communities well-being to the best of his abilities. I am sure our majority people will vote for him to serve for the second term without his personal campaign.