– Lobsang T. Namru, Minneapolis, MN
The recent election of Dr. Lobsang Sangay to the helm of Tibetan exile administration and the process leading to was historic in the annals Tibetan politics, and exemplary by any measure of a democratic institution. Weren’t we excited by the enthusiasm and participation from the Tibetan people from all walks of life and across the globe?
Now, the follow-up to that is how should we implement and extend the same enthusiasm to the election of Tibetan officials on the local level. Well, don’t need to worry if you look at what really happened here in the state of Minnesota in the Midwestern region of the United States.
On June 26, at 6 pm, around 250 Tibetans gathered at the Tibetan American Foundation’s cultural center for an event I was told “election”. What transpired as I observed the Tibetan local election at close quarter was simply amazing for the lack of better word. There are 12 board members at the Tibetan American Foundation of Minnesota (TAFM). Four executive members are replaced each year. Each member cannot be elected for more than two consecutive terms, i.e., six years at a stretch.
Rules are rules! It’s embedded in our conscience here.
What do you need to be eligible to vote? “You have to have both your TAFM membership and Green Book (in Tibetan, Danglang Chatral lak-dheb) dues paid in full. A voter needs to be at least 18 years old,” said the outgoing President of the foundation, Mr. Tsewang Ngodup (M.D.), endearingly called as Doctor la. Since the year 2001, he has served for seven years, most notably as TAFM’s president. As he spoke before the audience, he requested them not to elect him for the second term as he had the satisfaction and honor of serving the community. Now, moving forward, he wants to pass the baton to others who have the equal desire to serve the Tibetan community. It was a speech with heavy heart. I felt the audience was nostalgic and grateful of Doctor la’s dedication. He assured that he will continue to spend more hours to his social commitments with the Tibetans here and elsewhere, commensurate with his profession as medical doctor.
Whoever the new president will be has big shoes to fill, no doubt. Being an executive member of a Tibetan community like Minnesota requires no less commitment than your full-time job.
WOW! It’s tiring and tons of work. I salute you guys at the top.
“This election is historic and unprecedented in our community. Our members showed special interest and reverence to the democratic ideal of participation”, Dr. la added emphatically.
Next time, you hear an equally commendable election process elsewhere in North America, remember, ripples often start from Minnesota. Emulation by other Tibetan communities would be taken as an act of healthy influence and gift (solray).
