Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, Oct. 1: In a formal ceremony held on Wednesday at Sikyong Hall, Chief Justice Commissioner Yeshi Wangmo administered the oath of office to Nangsa Choedon and Tsering Youdon, newly appointed Additional Election Commissioners of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Nangsa Choedon, a former CTA Secretary and Director of the Tibetan Nuns Project in India, and Tsering Youdon, a former member of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, were elected on the concluding day of the tenth session of the 17th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile. Nangsa secured 32 votes while Tsering won 30, earning them the majority needed to assume the posts.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Tibetan Justice Commissioners Dawa Phunkyi and Phagpa Tsering, Ministers Dolma Gyari (Department of Security) and Norzin Dolma (Department of Information and International Relations), Chief Election Commissioner Lobsang Yeshi, Auditor General Tashi Topgyal, Public Service Commission members Passang Tsering and Tsultrim Dorjee, along with the Secretary of the Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission, Lhadruk, and Secretary of the Election Commission, Lobsang Choedak.
The swearing-in of the two Additional Election Commissioners holds significant importance for the upcoming 2026 general elections. Together with Chief Election Commissioner Lobsang Yeshi, who was elected during the eighth session of Parliament last year, they will form the full Election Commission of the CTA. This three-member body is tasked with scheduling the polls, announcing the timeline for both the preliminary and final rounds of voting, and undertaking visits to Tibetan communities worldwide to raise awareness about electoral rules and procedures. Their assumption of office ensures that the commission is fully equipped to carry out its constitutional mandate and to oversee a free, fair, and well-coordinated electoral process.
In a press release issued on August 13, the Election Commission reaffirmed its mandate amid growing speculation surrounding the upcoming elections. It urged Tibetans “to remain vigilant and not be misled by rumours and misinformation circulating in society,” while emphasizing the importance of relying solely on official announcements for accurate information.
The 2026 Tibetan general elections will witness Tibetans across the globe casting their votes to elect both the President of the Central Tibetan Administration and members of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile.
