Central Election Commission Announces Schedule for 2025–2026 Sikyong and 18th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile Elections, Along with Election Code of Conduct

Dharamshala: On the morning of 7 October 2025, the Central Election Commission of the Central Tibetan Administration convened a press conference to officially announce the schedule for the upcoming 2025–2026 elections of the Sikyong and the 18th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, along with the Election Code of Conduct.

The press conference, held at the Lhakpa Tsering Auditorium of Department of Information and International Relations (CTA), was addressed by Chief Election Commissioner Lobsang Yeshi, accompanied by Additional Election Commissioners Nangsa Choedon and Tsering Youdon. The event was attended by members of various Tibetan media outlets as well as media personnel from national and local Indian media.

Press Release

Announcement of Schedule for the 2025-26 Elections of Sikyong and 18th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, Central Tibetan Administration (CTA)

The Election Commission, CTA, would like to extend its warm greetings to the Tibetan people and supporters of the Tibetan cause across the world, and members of media, who have gathered here at today’s press conference.

As per the relevant provisions of the Charter and the Electoral Rules and Regulations of CTA, the Election Commission today announce the Schedule for Elections of Sikyong and 18^th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile. The Election Commission is firmly committed to conduct the elections in a free, fair, inclusive and peaceful manner.

Accordingly, the Election Commission today announce the following points related to the electoral process:

1.  In accordance with the Article 97(2-A) of the Charter of Tibetans-in-Exile and Article 5(3) of the Election Rules and Regulations, which stipulate that “As and when the elections of Sikyong and Members of the Tibetan Parliament are to be conducted, two Additional Election Commissioners shall be required and their tenure shall be from the announcement of the start of the electoral process until the declaration of final election results…”, Mrs. Tsering Youdon, former member of Parliament and Mrs. Nangsa Choedon, former Secretary of CTA, have been elected as the two Additional Election Commissioners. They took the oath of office from the Supreme Justice Commissioner on 1^stOctober 2025. Taking this opportunity, the Election Commission would like to extend its warm greetings to the two Additional Election Commissioners.

2.  Announcement of Schedule for Elections of Sikyong and 18^thTibetan Parliament-in-Exile, 2025-26

2.1  As per relevant provisions of the Charter and the Electoral Rules and Regulations, the Election Commission, CTA, hereby announce the schedule for Elections of Sikyong and the 18th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, 2025-26, today, on 7^th October 2025. The Preliminary Election for Sikyong and 18^th Tibetan Parliament in Exile is scheduled on Sunday, 1^st February 2026, and the Final Election on Sunday, 26^th April 2026.

2.2  The Election Commission highly appreciates the 17^th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile for its immense consideration in ending its tenure earlier, which enabled us to conduct the two upcoming elections simultaneously.

2.3  The official slogan for the 2025-26 Tibetan Elections will be ‘I AM TIBET, I VOTE FOR TIBET’, signifying unity and strength of the Tibetan people.

2.4  With the Election Commission firmly committed to conduct the election in a time-bound manner, it is essential that the Tibetan public fulfill their responsibilities by diligently complying with the electoral rules and observing proper conduct. As this election holds great significance for the Tibetan cause, it is of utmost importance that Tibetans in the diaspora participate in the electoral process in a spirit of unity.

2.5  In accordance with Articles 17, 18, 20, and 21 of the Election Rules and Regulations regarding the voter registration, all Regional Election Commissioners are required to verify and review the existing voters’ lists in their respective regions. The voter’s registration shall begin on 8^th October and must conclude by 8^th November 2025.

2.6  As per the Article 18 (4) of the Election Rules and Regulations, Tibetans who have attained the age of 18 years on 23^rd November 2025 are eligible for voter registration. All registered voters must have paid their Green Book dues up to 31^st March 2026. The voters must carry their Green Book with them wherever they may be, in order to exercise their voting rights.

2.7  In accordance with Article 67 (4) of the Election Rules and Regulations, which states: “…a minimum of two candidates for the final election of Sikyong must be announced…,” the Election Commission has decided to shortlist top two candidates for the final election from the results of preliminary election, which is in accordance with the established procedure and precedence.

2.8  The Article 37 of the Election Rules and Regulations stipulates the Composition and Strength of Tibetan Parliament with 10 members including at least 2 women each elected from the three provinces of Tibet; 2 members each from Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya, Gelug and Bon religion; 2 members elected by Tibetan community in North and South Americas; 2 members elected by Tibetan community in Europe and Africa; 1 member elected by Tibetan community in Asia (excluding India, Nepal & Bhutan) and Australasia.  The total strength of Tibetan Parliament is thus fixed at 45 members.

2.9  The general public and the candidates must pay special attention to the election rules and regulations. Particularly, special attention must be paid to Articles 24 and 25.

2.10  In addition to the Election Rules and Regulations, the general public must pay careful attention and strictly adhere to the Code of Conduct comprising 14 point formulated by the Election Commission.

2.11  One of the major challenges facing our society today is the dissemination of false information through misuse of social media, which threatens social harmony and unity among Tibetans. Therefore, the Tibetan public must be vigilant against online rumor mongering and disinformation.

2.12  To ensure that the elections are conducted smoothly in accordance with the Election Rules and Regulations, the Election Commission will organise training for the Regional Election Commissioners on 16 November 2025. Concurrently, the Chief Election Commissioner and Additional Election Commissioners will pay official visits to various Tibetan communities to introduce and explain the electoral rules and guidelines to the general public.

2.13  The media, recognised as the fourth pillar of democracy, has the responsibility to convey factual information to the public in a timely manner. We hope that the media will disseminate necessary information to the public during the elections.

2.14  Despite the global COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020-21 Sikyong and Tibetan Parliament elections were successfully completed through the dedicated efforts of central and regional election commissions across 58 offices in 26 countries, supported by 2,014 members, observers, and staff, along with the resilient participation of the Tibetan public. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to everyone involved in this success.

2.15  We earnestly appeal to the general public to extend their wholehearted support and cooperation to ensure that the Elections of Sikyong and 18th Tibetan Parliament in Exile, 2025-26, are conducted successfully.

In conclusion, we fervently pray for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and fulfillment of His noble wishes. May the truth of the Tibetan cause prevail soon! As the Central Tibetan Administration observes this year as the ‘Year of Compassion’ in celebration of His Holiness’s birthday and gratitude, may the forthcoming election proceed smoothly and strengthen Tibetan democracy, gifted to us by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

(NB: This is the English translation of the Tibetan original. In case of any discrepancy, please treat the Tibetan as final and authoritative)

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Guidelines for the candidates for the Election of Sikyong and Members of the 18^th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, 2025-2026

1. Candidates for the election of Sikyong and the 18^thTibetan Parliament in Exile cannot use picture of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Tibetan national flag, the emblem of the Central Tibetan Administration and map of Tibet,for their election campaign.
2. By adhering both in letter and spirit to the Charter and the Election Rules and Regulations, CTA,candidates must strictly follow the model code of conduct and guidelines issued by the Election Commission for the electoral process.
3. Although candidates may conducttheir election campaigns through speeches, correspondence, publications, and personal websites, they cannot make personal criticisms, actions causing discord, religious and regional divisions, bribery, or any form of inducements.
4. The fundamental rights of individual voters must be protected. Exerting coercion or pressurising someone to vote or not to vote is strictly prohibited. Furthermore, no candidate, supporter, or anyone may solicit support or assistance related to election matters from official staff of the Central Tibetan Administration, particularly election officials, by exploiting their positions or seeking favour.
5. Candidates are not allowed to disseminate false information or distribute materials about the electoral procedures of the Central Election Commission to the public or media outlets.
6. Candidates must respect the local laws of their respective places of residence. Those candidates based in politically sensitive regions must exercise caution and vigilance. They must comply with guidelines of the Election Commission. In particular, candidates and their supporters must not cause obstructions or hindrance tocampaign events of other candidates.
7. As stipulated in Article 24 (7) of the Election Regulations,all provincial or regional associations, religious institutions and NGOs are prohibited from releasing nominations and endorsing candidates for the elections of Sikyong and members of Tibetan Parliament.
8. Campaign materials such as announcements, leaflets, and banners for any candidate must clearly display the name and address of the person responsible for printing these materials.
9. In accordance with the electoral rules and regulations, no electoral campaign activities are allowedin schools.
10. Candidates must remain vigilant against disinformation and rumors on social media platforms etc.
11. Candidates must inform the Regional Election Commission forany election campaign activities that they undertake in their respective areas.
12. Candidates may carry out campaign activities during both preliminary as well as final elections.However, in accordance with Article 24 (7-b), they shall cease their campaign activities two days prior to the election day until the announcement of the results.
13. As specified in Article 16 (5) of the Election Rules and Regulations, disputes related to local election matters must be investigated and resolved by the Regional Election Commission. Therefore, individual candidates or their supporters may approach the Regional Election Commission to resolve disputes, rather than directly approaching the Central Election Commission. However, if anyone is dissatisfied with the judgment of the Regional Election Commission, they can appeal to the Central Election Commission.
14. If anyone is found guilty of violating the above-mentioned guidelines, penalties will be imposed in accordance with the severity of the violation as per the provisions of Article 25 of the Election Rules and Regulations.

(NB: This is the English translation of the Tibetan original. In case of any discrepancy, please treat the Tibetan as final and authoritative)