The TYC Votes Against Changes to its Policies

By Sam Ferguson / September 12, 2016;

Photo: Lhakpa Kyizom /Voice of America

The Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) held its 16th annual General Body Meeting, which took place in Dharamsala from September 3. During the meeting executive elections took place, as well as voting on proposed changes to its core rules.

The meeting was attended by 140 delegates, representing 40 chapters around the world. The elections confirmed six of the ten executive members in their posts for a second term. These include President Tenzing Jigme, Vice President Tamding Hrichoe, and, General Secretary Tashi Lamsang. Four new executive members were also elected.

The TYC delegates also voted against proposed amendments to two much debated clauses. The first of four clauses, which bind all members and chapters, states that the TYC will “adhere to and follow the guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama”, while the fourth clause seeks “total independence for Tibet”.The clauses have been described as contradictory. After a debate, the TYC delegates voted against amendments to both clauses by majorities of 54 to 24 and 45 to 39 respectively.

A separate vote was held during the meeting on potential amendments to a resolution passed in 2013 that cut ties with the Tibetan National Congress. The TYC voted against any amendments to this resolution by a majority of 79 votes out of the 140 present delegates.

Resolutions against organisations or individuals seeking to vilify or disparage the Dalai Lama, and to engage in lobbying on behalf of Tibetan self-immolators, the Tibetan environment and social services were also passed.

TYC President Tenzing Jigme emphasised that the resolutions which did not pass were the result of democratically conducted voting and that people should respect the outcome. In reference to the Dalai Lama, he added “His Holiness the Dalai Lama continues to remain as the central figure in unifying the Tibetans and keeping the struggle alive. The TYC will keep His Holiness in the fore while performing any activity in the future.”

The TYC was formed in Dharamsala in 1970, and advocates total Tibetan independence from China. The organisation undertakes a broad range of activities, including, but not limited to, cultural exhibitions, adult education, health education, and community infrastructure activities.