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Minnesota Tibetans gather for unprecedented election

By Lobsang T Namru | Tibet Sun

Lobsang T Namru Photographer unknown

The recent election of Dr Lobsang Sangay to the helm of the Tibetan exile administration, and the process leading to it, was historic in the annals of Tibetan politics, and exemplary by any measure of a democratic institution. Weren’t we excited seeing 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 at the local level. Well, no 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 25 June, at 6 pm, around 250 Tibetans gathered at the Tibetan American Foundation’s cultural center for an event I was told was “election”. What transpired, as I observed the election at close quarters, 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, ie, 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 (MD), endearingly called “Doctor la”. Since the year 2001, Mr Ngodup has served the foundation for seven years, most notably as TAFM’s president. As he spoke before the audience, he requested them not to elect him for a second term as he had the satisfaction and honor of serving the Tibetan community.

Now, moving forward, he wants to pass the baton to others who have the equal desire to serve. It was a speech made with heavy heart. I felt the audience was nostalgic and grateful for Doctor la’s dedication. He assured them that he would continue to spend more hours on his social commitments with Tibetans here and elsewhere, commensurate with his profession as medical doctor.

Whoever the new president will be, he 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 of 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).

Copyright © 2011 Lobsang Tsering Namru

Published in Tibet Sun