Tibetan Election Commission Announces Schedule for 2026 Sikyong and Parliament-in-Exile Elections

Dharamshala, October 07, 2025: The Tibetan Election Commission has announced the schedule for the upcoming elections to the Sikyong (Political Leader) and the 18th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile. The elections will be conducted in two phases — the preliminary round on February 1, 2026, and the final round on April 26, 2026.

Tibetans living in exile across the world will nominate their preferred candidates during the preliminary phase, and the top two candidates will advance to the final round for Sikyong, in accordance with Article 67(4) of the Election Rules and Regulations.

Addressing a press conference, Chief Election Commissioner Lobsang Yeshi, along with Additional Election Commissioners Nangsa Choedon and Tsering Youdon, also released the Model Code of Conduct and provided key details regarding the electoral process.

In accordance with Article 97(2-A) of the Charter of Tibetans-in-Exile and Article 5(3) of the Election Rules and Regulations, Mrs. Tsering Youdon, former Member of Parliament, and Mrs. Nangsa Choedon, former Secretary of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), have been appointed as the two Additional Election Commissioners. Their tenure will continue until the declaration of the final election results.

The Commission also unveiled the official slogan for the 2025–26 elections:

“I AM TIBET, I VOTE FOR TIBET”, symbolizing unity, responsibility, and the collective strength of the Tibetan people.

Voter registration will open on October 8, 2025, and close on November 8, 2025. As per Article 18(4) of the Election Rules and Regulations, all Tibetans who attain the age of 18 years on or before November 23, 2025, are eligible to register as voters.

The Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile will consist of 45 members, as outlined in Article 37 of the Election Rules and Regulations. The composition includes:

Ten members (including at least two women) each from the three provinces of Tibet.

Two members each from the five religious traditions — Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya, Gelug, and Bon.

Two members each representing Tibetan communities in North & South America, and in Europe & Africa.

One member representing Tibetan communities in Asia (excluding India, Nepal, and Bhutan) and Australasia.

To ensure smooth conduct of the elections, the Commission will organize training sessions for Regional Election Commissioners on November 16, 2025. The Chief and Additional Election Commissioners will also visit Tibetan settlements worldwide to familiarize voters with the electoral guidelines and procedures.

Recalling the successful completion of the 2020–21 Sikyong and Parliamentary elections despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Election Commission expressed confidence in once again conducting a free, fair, inclusive, and peaceful election.

The announcement concluded with prayers for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and for the success of the Tibetan cause. Observing this year as the “Year of Compassion”, the Commission reiterated its commitment to uphold the democratic principles bestowed upon the Tibetan people by His Holiness.