2011 nomination

A debate has been raging on, in exile Tibetan Diaspora on the topic of Kalon Tripa 2011 election. The forthcoming election of exile Tibetan government's helmsman will be the third time in the entire Tibetan history, with the majority mandate elected directly by the Tibetan people. And this political trial will test Tibetan exiles fledgling and fragile democracy.


Thanks to one man's initiative, the urgency of Kalon Tripa 2011 election has been permeated into Tibetan society's 140,000 tiny populations. Mr. Thupten Samdup's Kalontripa.com website and his call for search for candidates gained prominence. Tibetan media, TV, radio and news papers have been very brisk in the discourse of 2011 election. Tibetan masses in the settlement, in the monastery, and in Tibetan communities abroad started to listen and pay attention to the question of Kalon Tripa qualifications, the role of Kalon Tripa and who will be an ideal candidate.

Capital Area Tibetan Association (CATA)in Washington D.C in observation of Democracy Day Last Saturday has fitly organized a panel discussion on the question of 2011 Kalon election.

The three panelists spoke on the importance of understanding rights and duties in a democratic society. They touched on the characteristic prerequisite of a candidate, the role of Kalon Tripa in taking the Tibet issue forward. Their presentations refreshed our understanding of Kalon Tripa, s significance and the individual responsibilities by the people. It was a lively debate with contradictory views. Besides the individual panelists hinted on possible candidates by way of stressing certain priorities issues, such as political ideology, administrative experience, sincerity, boldness and vision in a broader sense.

My predication for 2011 exile Prime Minister is also the candidate that I support. When I shared my views on Kalon Tripa at the panel and pronounced that my candidate has not been nominated yet, a number of people interested in knowing who the candidate are that I vouch for. Before naming my nomination, I would like to put forth the rationale for my decision on this particular candidate.

HH the Dalai Lama in his address to Tibetan in Taiwan reiterates the urgency of Tibetan issue. He said we face a life and death situation and it is time that all Tibetans work on behalf of Tibetan people inside and out for Tibet's future with greater commitment and dedication. My nomination for the Kalon Tripa is someone who has a storied background in Tibetan freedom movement, and who has a perfect understanding of the will and wishes of Dalai Lama and the Tibetan at large. The candidate that I support has been described by analyst as "the legendary Tibetan diplomat". He has been instrumental in His Holiness the Dalai Lama's successful engagement in the west.

We need a Kalon Tripa who can shoulder the responsibilities of six million Tibetan people. A Kalon Tripa who has the Tibetan people's trust and Kalon Tripa who can inspire the younger generation and who is ready to lead . In my observation, this candidate has met the all the requirements.

The future Kalon Tripa is distinguished Tibetan diplomat, he has served as the editor of Tibetan Review, as President of Tibetan Youth Congress at its formative years. Who has the most colorful resume as a bureaucrat, as a Secretary, As a cabinet Minister, special envoy of HH the Dalai Lama in the most prominent country, as an official interlocutor for the Dalai lama, as an executive president of ICT, a most successful NGO that upholds the Tibetan people's freedom, A Kalon Tripa who has a proven leadership skill and a Kalon Tripa who can walk the talk and a Kalon Tripa who can unite the Tibetan people in our common fight for freedom. a Kalon Tripa who has immense diplomatic experience and a Kalon Tripa who has been trusted by the Dalai Lama. A Kalon Tripa who is seen as a transformative figure in Tibetan society. A Kalon Tripa whose name invokes smartness and intelligence and honor to Tibetan people. a Kalon Tripa who has an immaculate political and administrative and diplomatic background. A Kalon Tripa who has the most distinguished career in politics. Who is extremely competent and a great statesman.

A Kalon Tripa whose entire life has been interwoven with the tryst of Tibetan exile. A Kalon Tripa who is known to be "the most connected Tibetan" in Dharamsala bureaucracy. A Kalon Tripa whose influence extends far beyond the Tibetan political circle. Not only inside the small Tibetan exile Diaspora but to the Chinese and international community and government. A Kalon Tripa who has been an effective emissary for HH the Dalai Lama in contact with the Chinese leadership. A Kalon Tripa who can continue to further the ideals of farsighted policy of HH the Dalai Lama's middle path policy. A Kalon Tripa who has substantial experience in even negotiating with the Chinese leaders. A Kalon Tripa has initiated in reaching out to the Chinese. A Kalon Tripa who is firm and brave and unwavering in his stance on Tibetan issues. A Tibetan Tripa who imbibes the best of traditional and modern education. A Kalon Tripa who undertsands the pulse of international politics.

Such a shrewd and most charismatic, most honorable, most articulate leader is right in front of our eyes. So even without naming my nomination, it is very obvious whom I am referring to. I know the mass majority of the Tibetan people have the same thoughts as me. And I can see he will be the 2011 Tibetan exile Prime Minister and he is the most qualified and deserving candidate for this coveted post. By electing him as the Prime Minister, Tibetan people send a strong signal to Chinese leaders. By electing him Tibetan people can be very confident for a strong and able leader that will ensures the right of Tibetan people's freedom at a right time and continue the legacy of HH the Dalai Lama