Swearing in administered by Chief Justice Commissioner, Sonam Norbu Dagpo
Photo: CTA
Penpa Tsering was sworn in as the new Sikyong, President of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) also known as the Tibetan Government-in-Exile on May 27, in the virtual presence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibet. With him in person was the outgoing Sikyong, Dr Lobsang Sangay, and a small number of other dignitaries, as allowed under the current coronavirus pandemic restrictions.
The swearing in ceremony was administered by Chief Justice Commissioner Sonam Norbu Dagpo; the event was streamed live online to the general public. His Holiness the Dalai Lama briefly addressed the occasion by congratulating the newly elected Sikyong and commending the outgoing Sikyong for his service during the last ten years.
Penpa Tsering in his office
Penpa Tsering, 53, is the third directly elected Sikyong of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile. He succeeds Dr Lobsang Sangay who served as Sikyong for two tenures from 2011, following His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s complete devolution of political authority.
The new Sikyong said that “the successes of the exile democratic polity is due only to the benevolence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.” He continued, saying that the participation of the 77% of registered voters and peaceful conduct of the overall election process was hailed as “victorious step forward in the democratic polity”.
Penpa Tsering outlined the main responsibility of his office (Kashag or Cabinet), saying it will be to address the critical challenges being faced by endangered Tibet and the suffering of the Tibetan people, and that this will be achieved by following the Middle Way path espoused by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
“Based on which, we will reach out to the Chinese government to find a mutually beneficial, negotiated, non-violent solution to the Sino-Tibet conflict. We hope that this in turn shall set a good example in resolving conflicts around the world,” he said.
His Holiness addressing the occasion
Photo: CTA
Penpa promised to apply every effort to seek increased interaction between Tibetans in Tibet and those in exile; to work towards facilitating His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s wish to visit China and to take care of the welfare of Tibetans living in exile.
Referring to the Chinese government’s recent White Paper Tibet Since 1951, Liberation, Development and Prosperity, published to coincide with the 70th anniversary of China’s illegal occupation of Tibet, Sikyong said that he is open to sending people to verify all the claims made by China in the White Paper.
“I pay my respect and obeisance to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the protector and symbol of the people of Tibet, and all other eminent holders of the Dharma. At the same time, I extend my good wishes to all my Tibetan brothers and sisters inside and outside Tibet, and all freedom and truth loving Tibet supporters,” said Penpa Tsering after taking the oath.
Penpa Tsering was Speaker of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile for two terms between 2008 to 2016 and was runner-up in the 2016 Sikyong election. In this year’s election he received 34,324 votes against runner-up Kalsang Dorjee Aukatsang with 28,907 votes.
Messages of support for Penpa Tsering, and congratulations have poured in from around the world.
Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the United States House of Representatives wrote, “Today and always America is proud to stand with you and the people of Tibet.”
European Parliamentary leaders together with those from the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Chile have written to express support for the new Sikyong and the Tibetan cause.
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