ElectionsSikyong 2021: Preliminary round results

Name	Votes
Penpa Tsering	23,643
Kelsang Dorjee Aukatsang	13,908
Gyari Dolma	13,164
Dongchung Ngodup	9,531
Lobsang Nyandak	887
Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok	195
Tashi Topgyal	33

Latest results

• 29 January 2021 15:40 IST: India (Tenzin Gang, Arunachal) UPDATE ↓

  Dongchung Ngodup - 187 
  Kelsang Dorjee Aukatsang - 180 
  Penpa Tsering - 180 
  Gyari Dolma - 57 
  Lobsang Nyandak - 4 
  Tashi Topgyal - 1 
  Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok - 1

• 29 January 2021 15:35 IST: India (Tuting, Arunachal) UPDATE ↓

  Gyari Dolma - 244
  Dongchung Ngodup - 27
  Penpa Tsering - 14

• 29 January 2021 15:30 IST: india (Mandi: Mandi, Tsopema, Pondoh, Sundernagar) UPDATE ↓

  Gyari Dolma - 144 
  Penpa Tsering - 85 
  Kelsang Dorjee Aukatsang - 45 
  Dongchung Ngodup - 19 
  Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok - 9 
  Lobsang Nyandak - 1

Notes:

Exile Tibetans around the world cast their ballots for a new Sikyong of Central Tibetan Administration on Sunday, 3 January 2021. The official election result will be announced by the Election Commission on 8 Febuary 2021.

Click to see all 2021 Elections pages

The 2021 Elections pages

Comments

There are 219 comments so far.

1. 219.
   KJ.Lobsang, from Switzerland, says:on 25 March 2021 at 3:46 pm

   where can i vote? i am in switzerland.
2. 218.
   Karma D., from New York, says:on 8 March 2021 at 8:31 pm

   thanks to EC for giving quiet time from campaign and think and watch the two final candidates for Sikyong untill 21 March 2021.
   i am a big fan of Lobsang Sangay la, who has done all he could and we are thankful to him and his Kashag. I certainly did not like his approving Kaydor for his succession. this is his mistake and many of his admirers are left speechless! moreover, kaydor claims he was behind all LS did, that is too much, he might have given some support because he was hired to do but the real workers are the kalons. we are now voting for Penpa Tsering, although he was not our candidate but he fought alone and he will not be doing harmful things to our exile community. i am satisfied now. please do not expect votes from Gyari Dolma and Dongchung Ngodup supporters for Kaydor. just stop dreaming…
3. 217.
   Gonpo Tenzing, from Germany , says:on 8 February 2021 at 11:50 am

   As per (hawa Samachar) also according to Editor of Tibet Sun and some other news source that some settlement officers has been replaced before preliminary election. So please can anybody let me know bit more about same.
4. 216.
   Tashi Dolma says:on 30 January 2021 at 10:01 pm

   A total number of one hundred and eighty seven Tibetans voted in whole of UK. That says something about the total tib pop. living there. No wonder, every picture, every video, coming from that part of the world, every year, we see the same ******* face/faces. God really is crazy somewhere.
5. 215.
   clarkyong, from New York, says:on 17 January 2021 at 1:51 pm

   We have lost 10 years under Lobsang Sangay. he deceived people with unattainable promises like “solving Sino-Tibetan issue,” “bringing HH to Potala,” “producing 10,000 doctorates,” etc.
   Solving Sino-tibetan issue is every Tibetan’s wish and LS tried but failed as all kashags before him. What did you do apart from the yearly March 10th protest？
   “Bringing His Holiness to Potala” and producing “10000 doctorates” is the dream of great leaders like LS, and to inspire us to work for our cause. But here we do nothing for our cause rather criticize people who work. And some petty people like you even distracted our leadership with protests and suits.
   because LS is basically a small man. LS not proper leader.
   • 214.
     Phendor, from MN, says:on 18 January 2021 at 12:34 am

     Considering that our fellow Tibetans in Tibet are under restriction and CTA cannot reach them, 10,000 makes around 10% of the total Tibetans in exile. By promising “10,000 doctorates” Lob Sangay was saying that he is making every one out of ten Tibetans a doctor or a doctorate.

     Either the person must be a notorious straight-faced liar or a math and civic illiterate to make such an idiotic statement! It is like promising a sand castle in the sky. It is not something stable-minded leaders say!

     With not a single Sino-Tibetan Dialogue despite his much boasted Harvard law degree, how is Lob Sangay going to bring “HH to Potala”? This Harvard guy looks really ill-informed for Sikyong. PRC had for ten years categorically stated that “No proposal for HH’s visit to Tibet/China (including to Riwo Tse Nga) shall be considered as long as the Sino-Tibetan issue is not resolved.” So, HH’s visit to Potala was out of Sino-Tibetan agenda. Why is he still lying with such a straight face? Is he a psychic powerful enough to teleport HH to Potala without PRC’s knowledge.

     These are lies that this Sikyong guy told to get elected for his two terms! Shame!
6. 213.
   Shawn, from London, says:on 17 January 2021 at 1:03 pm

   Calm down, guys! We are not choosing a speech speaker, ok? We are here for the sikyong, for a leader. So the Tibet language is very important. Some candidates even do not know the tibetan language, which is so absurd. Please stop starting the conflicts among candidates. All the candidates for sikyong are to achieve the aspirations of all Tibetans under the auspices of HHDL. Even though PT has a lot of vote right now, a lot of Tibetans do not think narcissist Penpa Tsering is the best choice for Sikyong. PT started to pay for vote 3-4 months ago, and he was unemployed and throw all the time to do all the scheming. He also do propaganda work, but it makes no differences. We want to choose one for sikyong who work tirelessly for Tibetan people .
   • 212.
     Dorje Kalsang, from Munich, says:on 17 January 2021 at 8:36 pm

     Heard Kaydor was for long unemployed and dabbled in inconsistent jobs until he got lucky with his friendship with LS that got him his lifetime prominence and controversies. Now he is one of the jobless sikyong candidates that he is trying to project others to be.
7. 211.
   Dundup tsering, from New York, says:on 17 January 2021 at 1:00 pm

   I think Dalai Lama never wants Penpa Tsering to be number 1, prefers to keep him as no 2 or 3 as a counter-weight to Khampas.
   The vitriol that was spewed at the present administration by PT supporters have created an unbridgeable chasm between the supporters of the present Kashag and the U-Tsang supremacist candidate Penpa Tsering.
   We are heading for more chaos, communal tension and civil strife if Penpa Tsering is elected. Those who have been keeping silent to give a good image of Sikyong LS will now come out with a vengeance to attack PT and his supporters with no holds barred!!!!
   • 210.
     Jigme tsering, from Dehradun, says:on 17 January 2021 at 8:42 pm

     Beware people! Here is the first Tibetan Trump inciting violence and political revenge if public elects PT through democratic exercise? Election of PT or any Sikyong candidate is not the cause of communal tension, but people like you making an issue of the election outcome into some sort of a warfare.

     Shameful, disgusting and pathetic!
8. 209.
   Liai, from India, says:on 17 January 2021 at 12:58 pm

   We should all cast a sacred vote and not abuse our power to become the protector of Dalai Lama. I hope that the election can be successful, can give you a satisfactory account, for our happiness.
9. 208.
   Losbang Gyal, from India, says:on 17 January 2021 at 12:38 pm

   We all have the right to vote. We hope that there will be no conflict between the two communities and sects. The election is a four member election, not a regionalism. I don’t know whether it is the election that can represent the Tibetan people in exile or the protector of Dalai Lama? We need a fair and transparent voting environment.
   Are we electing a Sikyong to lead the Tibetan Movement or a protector of the Dalai Lama?
10. 207.
    Losbang Gyal, from India, says:on 17 January 2021 at 12:21 pm

    Tibet Sun keep up the good work. Thank you for publishing election results. Please bless us with most deserving Candidate for Skyikong.
    Are we electing a Sikyong to lead the Tibetan Movement or a protector of the Dalai Lama? If we are electing some one to protect the Dalai Lama, you showed your true ignorance.
    If you are talking about human beings, there is nobody who protected the Dalai Lama more than Dongchung Ngodup for the last three decades as the Chief Security Officer of the CTA. Why didn’t you elect him?
    It’s not regionalism to elect your people who are worthy to be a Sikyong. Priority is given for ones own people before considering others. This is a universal practice in all societies. In the west they will prioritise jobs for their own people before considering others (foreigners).
    There hasn’t been a Kalon Tripa let alone a Sikyong from the Utsang Choelka in exile for the 60 plus years because you don’t give value to your own people but instead clamour for others. This is a sign of leytong (brainless) on your part. The Kham people value their own people more than others but it’s not racism.The people of Bir Dege, Nangchen and Tashi Jong had long association with Gyari Dolma. She is married to the son of a chieftain of one of these provinces in Tibet. You surely wouldn’t expect them to ignore their own kind and blindly jump on the bandwagon of a stranger.
    The Dalai Lama need no protection. No matter whoever attempts to malign him, it will only hurt them not the Dalai Lama. The Chinese communists tried for 70 years and failed miserably.
11. 206.
    Phendor, from NH, says:on 17 January 2021 at 9:30 am

    How I wish the ten years of failed administration of imposters end soon.

    All hullaballoos and a Harvard degree did not get us anywhere. Sangay’s claim to experience with Sino-Tibetan dialogue ended with ZERO dialogue in TEN YEARS. Empty slogans like 5/50 were empty of any substantive program or policy.

    Sangay wasted 10 precious years of our struggle. Worse, this imposter chap wasted 10 years of HH’s life when Tibetan leadership could use his presence and blessings for Tibet’s greater cause. These imposters only tried to make HH irrelevant by going as far as pulling down HH’s photos.

    Kaydor is Jampa Kalden’s son. Ask any elderly Khampas from Chushi Gangdruk and 22 Army and they’ll tell you how he is nicknamed “contagious disease” by old Khampas. He worked as Gyalo Dhondup’s mole that got him a position in 22 and Security Department. To the Khampa’s he let out Gyalo’s dirty secrets that made many Khampas hate Gyalo. Like his turncoat father that he portrayed as “Lion” (eyeroll here), his son Kaydor has as much dirty linen in his closet. (Less said about the deceased father, more peace of the departed soul).

    And, you guys think PT looks unpleasant and unstately and Kaydor is good-looking. He is tall. I agree. But dare not say a word beyond that, or I will be compelled to talk about his froggy nose, droopy eyes, characterless lips, liar’s C-shaped forehead, and clubbed fingers. These talks are childish but some people here enjoy discussing facial features.
12. 205.
    Sutse, from Australia, says:on 15 January 2021 at 4:46 pm

    Vote Kedor la if you want our nation to move foreword to save Tibet, vote Penpa Tsering la if you want our nation to go backward and see it disappear in tipsiness. Let’s never forget our gratitude to sikyong Lobsang Sengay for keeping Tibet alive and igniting hope for our people.
    • 204.
      Passang, from Delhi, says:on 16 January 2021 at 1:47 pm

      If kaydor comes in a position then the government will topple and disintegrated like a Soviet Union.
      • 203.
        Kyichung, from Australia , says:on 17 January 2021 at 6:33 am

        Never knew KD until this election. He seems to think outside of the box, has education, experience, vision and dedication. It takes more than eloquent speech to build a nation. At the end aren’t we all sick of the same old ruler? Hopefully we see more fresh blood in the parliament too.
    • 202.
      Phurbu Tashi, from Belgium, says:on 15 January 2021 at 10:59 pm

      Sikyong LS did all he could during his tenure as Sikyong which is good. One cannot hold on to power at all cost through a proxy candidate like Kaydor who is truly the least deserving of all the sikyong candidates of 2021.

      Since CTA is not a private enterprise but a democratically instituted entity, it is okay if PT is elected sikyong through public majority. He looks like a determined and hard working person who will work hard for Tibet. I don’t believe he or any other candidate can take us backward at all.
13. 201.
    Tenzin Sangpo, from South Korean , says:on 14 January 2021 at 2:27 pm

    We could vote for 2021 Sikyong and Chithue from South Korea?
14. 200.
    Tenzin K, from Wisconsin, says:on 14 January 2021 at 3:04 am

    Now sadly Gyari Dolma is out, as only two candidates are allowed into the final. Few remaining votes that are yet to come will bridge the gap of 600 votes.

    bye bye Gyari Dolma. Kaydor had outwitted her by quickly posing himself as Lobsang Sangay’s loyal legacy holder. If Kaydor didn’t say that, but ran on a platform of his own, then Gyari will go to the second.

    There are rumours that Gyari Dolma will ask for recount of votes, and arguing three candidate should be allowed to the finals (even though Election Commission confirmed only 2 will be allowed in). But will she succeed?
    • 199.
      Tsering kyap, from Delhi, says:on 14 January 2021 at 7:05 pm

      Sadly we don’t acknowledge the person who had tirelessly worked for the cause of Tibet, and served for Tibetan community for many decades. May be it’s our ill fate to have a leader like kaydor who don’t deserve to be in the final round of election. Gyari dolma must be in final round in any case. She is far more better than him in a leadership quality.
      • 198.
        Dhundup says:on 15 January 2021 at 8:12 am

        we are future-oriented, and forward-moving. While Gyari Dolma has done well for years, Kaydor is better suited to the job, as the world has changed. The rules of politics in Gyari Dolma’s time has now evolved, and Kaydor has greater potential to tap into the winds of change.

        Getting an awards are for past-achievements. But willing an election is for the future vision.
15. 197.
    Peace and happiness, from Switzerland , says:on 12 January 2021 at 3:36 pm

    I believe that spreading hate won’t help us. Let’s not bring other candidates down just to boast about your chosen candidate.
    Just be thankful to LS for his achievements for us Tibetans during the 10 years. He definitely sacrificed a lot and I don’t think he deserves such criticism from people who think that he did nothing worth compliments.
    I hope that you’ve voted for someone who you believe will continue making progress in our journey to raise awareness for tibet to the whole world.
    Let’s not forget that the true beauty of us Tibetan is our constant will for a kind heart.
    Hope everyone stays healthy and happy!
    • 196.
      Dorji, from Toronto, says:on 13 January 2021 at 4:27 am

      Thank you for kind and united voice. We need it more than ever. We have to prove to be better than the enemy or otherwise we become our worst enemy.

      I have voted for my candidate but will gladly accept the winner whomever he/she may be.

      Once the election is over, the work will begin and everyone has to throw their weight behind the new Sikyong. Now is more critical than ever.

      Stay safe and healthy!

      Boed Gaylo!
      • 195.
        DegeBhomo, from Dharamshala, says:on 14 January 2021 at 7:10 am

        If Penpa Tsering does not issue statements condemning Thupten Thokmay and Mila Rangzen, then don’t expect unity. For the sake of a united Tibetan community, the vile divisive actions of these [people] should be called out and they should not be allowed in decent Tibetan society.

        If this does not happen, then don’t expect unity. Expect Lobsang Sangay’s supporter to dish out the same treatment to Penpa Tsering.
        If he wants to avoid that he needs to issue a statement saying that his office condems these hate mongers whose rhetorics have created so much chaos in our community.

        If he does not take up the opportunity, then minorities in exile specifically khampas will get Google to shut down the channel of Mila and Thupten Thokmay for spreading hate speech and inciting violence against one group. Social Media companies are being held to account for giving platforms to extremists who endanger a particular group. There is no doubt in my mind that Mila and Thupten Thokmay’s account will be demonetized soon and their account shut down if they continue to attack khampas.

        PT has the golden opportunity to purge these [people] from our community before that happens.
        • 194.
          Sangay Lobsang, from Boston, says:on 15 January 2021 at 2:07 am

          What about Tenzin Lungtok, Tamtse Tsering, Tsamey Loga, Kharbhak Dhondup Lhadar etc etc?
          • 193.
            phurb.L, from India, Delhi, says:on 18 February 2021 at 7:12 pm

            Who are these guys? i know tamtse tsering from ngari living in switzerland, giving video false messages every now and then. He moved to Switzerland from India. He lied to Swiss Government that he came from Tibet. He is a good liar and good in acting too. we know him since his time in India, he still lies in support of Kaydor.
            we don’t see the others as tamtse on social media.
16. 192.
    daveno says:on 12 January 2021 at 1:16 am

    honestly, Penpa Tsering was lucky to get a job and salary in CTA for 20 years. With his English skills and commerce degree, it is impossible for Tibetans of his calibre to get any job outside Tibetan circles.

    It is different for lobsang sangay as he was getting paid in US dollars, and came to CTA for a peanut of salary.
    • 191.
      shetenzin, from Honsur, says:on 22 March 2021 at 11:17 pm

      oi mr khampa first understand how educated lobsang senge is.. he was just a lucky chum to be a tibetan who got selected in the fullbright scholarship.. fullbright scholarship is program by us govt where it has quotas for all countries, however for tibetans the fullbright standards for selection are very easy and since our population competing for the seat is next to nil. since the standards are kept so easy lobsang senge got selected just like those other tibetans who got selected and graduated via fullbright in usa, on the basis of mercy and relaxation for tibetan refugees and not based on his merit.. kaydor i do agree he graduated in english honors based on merits, but penpa tsering also graduated in economic honors which is a pretty tough subject, based completely on his merit and not any refugee relaxation, that too while working in a restaurant to meet his ends. so the best educational merit goes to penpa tsering, hands down..
    • 190.
      Tenzin chozom, from Darjeeling, says:on 13 January 2021 at 6:57 pm

      Peanut of salary???
      Like really are you not aware of the million dollars US scam which if left ignored would have gone in their pockets.
      So please.. and about Penpa Tsering la he deserves to be the Sikyong.. of course you can see the number of votes and so does dongchung Ngodup la.
      Anyone of them deserved it, but since dongchung Ngodup la couldn’t make it to the final, I as a supporter of him will definitely without doubt vote for Penpa Tsering la.
      • 189.
        Silden Gangri says:on 14 January 2021 at 12:27 pm

        Hi Darjeeling Kanchi! Na ramro Kura na karnus! The CTA is reported to be one of the cleanest Governments in the world. It’s not an empty boast but judged by foreign diplomats visiting Dharamshala. I have heard our own ex-Government officials saying, there is no opportunity for corruption. Besides, every Tibetan working in Dharamshala is fully aware that if they do the wrong thing, HH will not forgive them. That’s why no one dares to do things that you are accusing without any basis.

        You may hate the Sikyong which is your wont but don’t trash the Government of the six million people. Your infatuation towards Mr PT is making you see everything dark wherever there is Lobsang Sangay. You are besotted by PT and hence see him like a moth seeing the fire as a beautiful celestial abode only to be burned when it jumps into it. So, I am not blaming you because that’s the nature of delusion.

        But try not to burn your own house down in order to save your beloved PT. We have a saying that a stupid son killed his father in his attempt to get rid of few lice on his head by smashing them with an axe! I hope you are little more intelligent than that idiotic child!
        • 188.
          Dorjee, from Bylkop, says:on 14 January 2021 at 10:46 pm

          Ha Ha,
          It is still fresh in public mind the underhand transaction concerning purchase of Ari Dhonchoe building. They talk about transparency, how come Kaydor hide this transaction from incoming Rep PT. Why the transaction was not disclosed/shown in Ari Dhochoe accounts. Why LS fired PT for asking the question about this transaction. This shows some wrongdoing on their parts. I do agree that most of the people who worked in CTA are honest but there are some black sheep in every society. Before calling someone idiot, reflect on your intelligence.
    • 187.
      englishvinglish, from Hunsur, says:on 12 January 2021 at 9:41 pm

      hahahaha are you talking out of your [nose]??? Till date there is not a single sikyong candidate who can speak such good english. His vocabulary and choice of words is fantastic. His grammar is perfect. Show me a speech where penpa tsering speaks wrong english. Gyari dolma does and other candidates do not even have proper grammar. lobsang senge his grammar is ok but his choice of words and vocabulary is poor. Also penpa tsering did economics major from a reputed college that too with the money he earned while washing dishes in a restaurant. Gyari dolma even her graduation is not clear as per wikipedia. lobsang senge got his degree from harvard through fullbright scholarship for tibetan refugees, and we all know everyone who are allotted a seat through this refugee quota all of them pass, cos of the leniency shown by the university.. Otherwise tell me if Lobsang senge was a real lawyer, tell me how many lawsuits did he fight in USA. Why was he working in a fish market instead of a courtroom, before he became sikyong?
      • 186.
        Silden Gangri says:on 16 January 2021 at 6:57 pm

        Hey, I know who speaks better English because I know the English language better than you! You understand? Don’t try to be arrogant. Never heard of PT making even a proper speech in the English language. I have heard only short conversations.

        Hey man! You know what?
        You are like Dev Dutta! You know who he is? Of course not. You know nothing about our culture. Your knowledge of our culture is ZERO but just because you write some pigeon English, you think you are so great?

        Dev Dutta was Buddha’s nephew but he saw Buddha only as a fraud. Now in the Buddhist world, Buddha is regarded as the perfect being. However, Dev Dutta was blinded by his ignorance and saw absolutely nothing good in the Buddha.

        Whose fault is it? Not the Buddha’s fault but Dev Dutta’s delusion got the better of him. So are you! Your outlook is jaundiced so you can’t even differentiate a good English speaker with a baritone voice and some one who speaks in halting English.

        Ha! Ha! He must have done the economics of doom because he bankrupted the Kathak families businesses. Under his watch, the hotel and two carpet factories were bankrupted and the family was reduced to penury.

        Don’t show the tail of a sheep in order to sell the carcass of a dog buddy!
      • 185.
        Silden Gangri says:on 13 January 2021 at 8:34 am

        Oh man, what a spin? I mean at least have a sense of logic. It’s unbelievable the kind of spin PT supporters put on to promote their ware. I have listened to all of these guys in one way or the other and among them, Kaydor seems to be the most fluent in English. He got an American accent but it goes well with his booming voice that gives him a powerful instrument to get his message across to the people.

        He also got the height to look dignified as a leader and he looks handsome too. If we look objectively, he is surely better looking than PT.
        PT speaks pretty fluently but often holds to find his words. I think his ideas are fuzzy. It comes out in the form of not knowing what he is trying to say. That’s why, he is lost for words.

        PT’s has the tallness but he is flabby and looks more like a Shatrughan Sinha than Salman Khan. The texture of his facial skin is broken into incongruent cubicles that shows the effect of alcohol. He doesn’t walk upright but rather with a haunch like an old man stooping to pick up a golden needle from the ground.

        His English accent is Madrasi Hinglish. So, the attempt to compare the two and try a spin on English language skill doesn’t square well for PT.

        In the world of aesthetic beauty, charm, good looks and the ability to express oneself makes a great difference. May not sound right but it’s true. If it weren’t true, we wouldn’t be reading and watching the likes of Sharukh Khan and Deepika Padukone films. So, the leader need good likes as well.
        • 184.
          Metok Lhamo, from Mumbai, says:on 15 January 2021 at 9:59 am

          Who in the world considers lanky Kaydor with small hands like Donald Trump to be good looking? Please remember handsome is as handsome does and in this department, kaydor scores the lowest among all the sikyong candidates.

          I will take PT anytime with all his “flabbiness” over that Nepali looking clown called kaydor. Enough of clownish rule at CTA!
      • 183.
        Dongdre, from New York, says:on 13 January 2021 at 7:37 am

        englishvinglish,

        FACT CHECK:
        I have no objection to your assessment EXCEPT for one:
        PT did not wash dishes to pay for college. He was stealing money from restaurant set up by Katak tulku to help PT. Later, he stole money from his factories and bankrupted them.

        This is my two cents. like it or not, that’s the TRUTH which PT promises if he is elected to Sikyongship.
      • 182.
        Gangchenpa, from Phoenix, says:on 13 January 2021 at 7:27 am

        Would be helpful to provide sourcing for your opinions: I’ll be happy to watch anything that supports your statements.

        We are all aware of the excellent Chinese Communist Party who have studied human psychology and mental persuasion through kindness and total brutality.

        So as a kindness to us ignorant Tibetans why not make a defamation of character statement and then provide one or two sources that people can check for themselves?
        • 181.
          Dongdre, from New York, says:on 13 January 2021 at 9:07 pm

          Gangchenpa,

          The source is from PT’s Ex-family:

          http://bangchen.net/47557/31/19/
    • 180.
      Tashi, from Calgary , says:on 12 January 2021 at 7:25 pm

      We are not looking for an English professor, but a leader.
      • 179.
        Tashi, from Kamraon, says:on 14 January 2021 at 12:04 am

        Knowing Tibetan language is more important. Kaydor doesn’t even know how to read and write in Tibetan.
      • 178.
        Tsega, from Bir, says:on 13 January 2021 at 9:21 pm

        Agree!! It seems Kaydor’s supporter are voting for the position of English teacher or else in-flight attendant and not Sikyong.
    • 177.
      Tenzin, from Nepal, says:on 12 January 2021 at 1:41 pm

      I think this guy is simple accountant working under small company.
      It’s not the direct-salary that matters always. Never compare some [small] dollars with highly reputed and recognized sikyong post representing Tibet.
      There are thousands of businessmen and highly educated, qualified Tibetans working abroad. But there is only one post of sikyong in this whole world.
      Reputation, respect, international relations, legacy all this comes on your way (if you are sikyong) more than some [small] dollars.
    • 176.
      Osel, from Dehradun, says:on 12 January 2021 at 1:10 pm

      Lobsang Sangay’s contract at Harvard was ending and wasn’t getting renewed and that’s when he opted to run for Kalon Tripa!! Nita Ing Foundation of Taiwan was paying Harvard for LS position there. Truth is not always what appears on the outside.

      Gyari Dolma and PT’s communication skills are far better than LS and their experience is way more than LS. Kaydor is nothing more than a proxy for LS.
17. 175.
    Tenpa sangpo, from Bir, says:on 11 January 2021 at 11:58 pm

    Indian Hindus and Indian Muslims are Indians. They were divided by IT cell of respective groups. As same method are using in our own community. Secular and diversity is the lesson we should learn from our host country.
    • 174.
      Dorji, from Toronto, says:on 12 January 2021 at 4:30 am

      Regardless of who wins, we should all be proud of our democracy in action, something even the Chinese cannot claim to. So let’s stop this petty squabbling and respect each other’s democratic rights and honor the result without any negative opinions. Remember that we are setting ourselves as a model to show the Chinese leaders that we can conduct our politics with responsibility and be trusted in a future genuine autonomous region.

      If we allow regionalism to get the best of us, then it’ll only reinforce their own chauvinistic views about us as a backward people not capable of looking after ourselves. Remember that the Chinese have tens of thousands of internet bots looking at us and the petty comments in here does not make us look good.

      Last but not least, let’s trust all the candidates, not one talks of regionalism. All talk about fulfilling the aspirations of all Tibetans under the auspices of HHDL.

      Thanks for listening and may the next Sikyong be successful!
18. 173.
    karma dorjee, from Canada, says:on 11 January 2021 at 9:05 pm

    Kaydor Aukatsang la will be our opponent to PT la, so we are relieved because Gyari Dolma la will be much tougher. I am surprised to learn that LS supporters (khampas) believed he is the legacy carrier of LS and he is definitely endorsed by LS indirectly too. The 5/50 youths from the West are impressed because they are all full paid by CTA and their parents in the West. Some don’t have green book are also happy and they were campaigning for KD, selfish people, they don’t look for the most important political problem faced by the Tibetans. Gyari Dolma la is very strong and a good politician. She could achieve for us Indian support to act for Tibet, dialogue with China, and much more, and all political cases could be solved. Now it is not possible. so now PT la will continue to serve CTA like LS and bring unity among Tibetans by various activities.
19. 172.
    Osel, from Dehradun, says:on 11 January 2021 at 6:55 pm

    How is Kaydor being son of some Jampa Kalden an accomplishment?!!! What has this Jampa Kalden done for the community? He was a petty businessman prior to his joining SFF, he was one of the Junior Commissioned Officers like hundreds of others till date, and post retirement he joined CTA as a government servant. That’s it!! There is nothing phenomenal to read about him except for him sticking to CTA and creating Chushi Gangdruk Sarpa (New) with little success.

    No disrespect, but lets focus on Kaydor’s personal achievements and experience rather than bragging about him being son of an imaginary hero created out of his father.
    • 171.
      Degebhomo, from Dharamshala , says:on 11 January 2021 at 8:58 pm

      I agree, this is a fair question! And must apply to all candidates.

      – Can people write down the accomplishments of Penpa Tsering?
      Please do not give the tired old one of him serving in CTA for 20 years. Didn’t he get paid for his job at CTA? What other brilliant alternative career did he give up on to be a CTA employee? In my view, PT was lucky to be employed by CTA when career options were limited for Tibetans during the time. To have a regular stable income must have been nice, I see no sacrifice in being a CTA employee.

      Please list specific accomplishments of Penpa Tsering. I have tried to get the answer from his supporters but no one can come up with his accomplishments. Please educate us.
      • 170.
        Ngawang Samdup, from Canada, says:on 12 January 2021 at 12:28 am

        I am really surprised by reading your thoughts regarding the sacrifices made by those who built the CTA under the guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The majority are not working there for a stable income. Today Tibet and its people in exile are known the world over because we have a Government in exile despite our enemy being like a super power. Shame on you for minimising the sacrifices made by them for the cause of future Tibet. Anyhow what you have done for the cause of Tibet?
20. 169.
    Degebhomo, from Dharamshala , says:on 11 January 2021 at 5:52 pm

    The facts remain the same. Despite his propaganda and campaigning for the last 5 years, Penpa Tsering stlll did not get even 30% of total votes in this election. This is a sad showing for a candidate who is the only candidate running for the second time.

    Many PT supporters were braggadocios and claimed he would win by a landslide majority and the election would end with the preliminary results. Now it looks like Kaydor Aukatsang will give him a run for his money and the final results will be close.

    This is a referendum of some sorts. A majority of Tibetans do not think narcissist Penpa Tsering is their choice for Sikyong.
21. 168.
    Karma, from New York, says:on 11 January 2021 at 3:39 pm

    Is it true? Penpa tsering started to pay for vote 3-4 months back, and there was a person who have wrote penpa tsering although the voter told the person to write gyari dolma’s name?
    • 167.
      Tenzin says:on 11 January 2021 at 8:30 pm

      Karma, and most of the folks here, please support this and other comments with facts! If you don’t have actual proof then this is what we call a conspiracy theory.
      As Tibetans, more then ever we need to really be conscientious of our words and actions. Today, blatantly stating comments without proof can go viral on social media platforms and we, as Tibetans, more than ever we need to band together for a common voice and goal of following a democratic process.
22. 166.
    Tenzin, from New Delhi, says:on 11 January 2021 at 2:16 pm

    I don’t know why nothing is being done, when there is fraud and cheating going on in election, is this real democracy? I used to believe in the government, now I am starting to become curious and not believe in government, however I hope who ever wins never breaks the trust of all the Tibetan people and his holiness. I stand for GYARI DOLMA LA.
23. 165.
    Gangchenps, from Phoenix , says:on 11 January 2021 at 8:03 am

    Thanks for the report
    Roughly I think the votes reflect the origin of birthplaces of Tibetans in exile, with some exceptions:

    So we can say that there are more Tibetans in exile from Tod and UTsang than Kham and Amdo.

    Since the lame duck Sikyong is a Khampa the sentiment seems to be for UTsang candidate but I was surprised Dongchung Ngodup didn’t do better.

    My vote is for Gyari Dolma because she has a history of helping ordinary people and being able to successfully negotiate with Indian politicians and bureaucrats.

    However, I do not know most of the candidates and hope to learn from debates interviews and writings as we go on.
24. 164.
    Phundor, from MN, says:on 11 January 2021 at 7:08 am

    The conceited, delusional Tibetan Nero Lobsang Sangay is leaving soon!

    I also suggest that LS hand over his Harvard law degree to PT because he knows nothing about law and PT humiliated him badly in the field that he boasts to have specialized at an ivy-league university!

    If PT-LS case were a boxing match, then LS got knocked out in eight of the ten rounds. Looking dazed, staggered, and knee-trembling in disbelief, he gets up to be knocked out flat over and again for eight consecutive rounds. All because he was no legal scholar. He knew no law and had just piled a bunch of rubbish with Kaydor and Dhadon Sharling.

    Worst thing he did before leaving Sikyong was to cost Dolma Gyari-la all the Khampa votes. Dolma Gyari, with less college degree, is more knowledgeable and experienced in law than him or his water boy Kaydor!

    LS and Kaydor are mean and small men. Waiting to see what fake name they will use this time to reply!
    • 163.
      dongdre, from New York, says:on 12 January 2021 at 12:36 am

      Phundor,

      talking about law, please be careful because PT might get himself mired in Indian and US criminal law:
      1)In India, he is being accused of infidelity, stealing Katak’s wealth, and even murder.

      2) there are also allegations that he used official papers to get visas for his brother and sisters.

      PT must come forward to address these serious allegations. It is different this time cos the allegations are coming from within the EX-FAMILY OF PT.

      I have nothing against PT or his supporters. However, I am concerned that if PT were to win, and if these allegations are not addressed to the satisfaction of the Tibetan electorate, our adversaries might play them against our CAUSE.

      I am not saying that we have to take these allegations as true. A sane minded individual should be concerned about such allegations because our main ASSET in garnering the support of others is truth and humbleness. If our supporters will have doubts about our leaders, our cause will be automatically doomed.

      Therefore, PT la, please come forward and address these allegations for the good of yourself, your supporters and Tibet.
    • 162.
      Degebhomo, from Dharamshala , says:on 11 January 2021 at 5:43 pm

      The ruling in the PT vs kashag was a joke. The presiding Chief Justice was not a legal scholar and in fact, did not have a law degree. His ruling violated the constitutional right of the head of kashag, the Sikyong and sets a very dangerous precedence. Years from now this ruling will be studied as a failure of the Tibetan judicial system. In fact this was truly a banana republic court system. If anything my respect for sikyong Lobsang sangay la grew during this time. In order to prevent further disharmony in the community, he honored the judges ruling. The narcissist Penpa Tsering’s ego would not have been able to stomach a ruling in sikyongs favor.

      Lobsang sangay looked tired and haggard because he was working tirelessly for Tibetan people as sikyong during this time. While your candidate Penpa tsering was unemployed and had all the time to do all the scheming. Yet even after 5 years of crying and propaganda work, he did not even get 30% of the vote in this preliminary round. Shame.. shame..
      • 161.
        PD, from MN, says:on 12 January 2021 at 1:29 pm

        Lobsang Sangay had allegations, including in very incisive, investigative writings of Ms Maura Moynihan. Talks of his purchase of building in Boston and demands for his tax returns were abound. As a sitting Sikyong, he neither acknowledge Maura’s or others’ allegations nor care to give an accountable clarification to the Tibetan voters.

        PT is a Sikyong candidate, not a sitting Sikyong. No charges have been registered or filed in the court of law against him. So unless, LS clarifies about charges of money from suspicious sources in the writings, PT must not fall into traps set by not-so-smart guys like Sangay and Kaydor.

        BTW, the law degree holder got knocked 8 out of 10 rounds. He lost but does not concede. Like Trump, LS lays the blame on electoral colleges and courts! Same narcissism here! Small men!
25. 160.
    Tashi, from US, says:on 11 January 2021 at 12:38 am

    This landslide victory is people’s answer to 10 futile years of a narcissist, his empty promises, and crooked politics.
    Preliminary victor has transcended from a dedicated public servant to a public figure. Later, from a public figure to the symbol of a movement of truth, decency, lawful, and the resistance against a bully.
    • 159.
      DegeBhomo, from Dharamshala , says:on 11 January 2021 at 5:32 pm

      You must be weak in math. How is this a landslide victory of Penpa tsering. Despite being in news for the last 5 years and having a propaganda arm/campaign for the same period, he barely managed to get 30% of all votes. That is far from landslide. Penpa tsering performed pretty badly for a guy who has been campaigning for the last five years. Most of his supporters were boasting he would win the Sikyong post in the preliminary round with 60% votes. He didn’t get even half of the sixty percent. The result is a big slap on their face to wake up and smell the roses. Majority of Tibetans still don’t want a troublemaker.
      Kaydor aukatsang got more votes than lifelong public servants which means Lobsang sangay la still enjoys a lot of influence and love.
26. 158.
    Tse Dhundup says:on 10 January 2021 at 9:51 pm

    I think Dalai Lama never wants Penpa Tsering to be number 1, prefers to keep him as no 2 or 3 as a counter-weight to Khampas.

    Therefore, it was a clear hint by Samdhong Rinpoche when Dongchen Ngodup was given an award, and Lo Ngodup Dorjee in India mythology didn’t say he’s the one, but fakers came forward. The clue is in the name: Lo Ngodup Dorjee = Dongchung Ngodup.

    I think Dalai Lama and Samdhong Rinpoche want Kaydor Aukatsang to be number 1. Dalai Lama praised Lobsang Sangay as very young and very fitting in the international stage with a sharp talent for ‘strategically lining up one project after another in a logic tree.’ This implies that Dalai Lama prefers new breed of West educated leaders with international outlook.

    Dongchung Ngodup was deliberately thrown into the wrestling platform to avoid Penpa Tsering winning the race. Similarly, the duo also pushed kasur Tashi Wangdi into the ring to avoid Tethong Namgyal from winning. The real incharge is these two lamas, comprising the Tibetan exile deep state, along with Gyalo Thundup.

    Dalai Lama and Samdhong Rinpoche appear to show a peculiar inclination towards Khampa leaders, while at the same time, ridiculing average khampas as rough. They just can’t imagine Penpa Tsering as the president, as he lacks the polished superior body language and general aura of charisma, and international outlook that Kaydor Aukatsang appears to posses. And they say Nancy Pelosi is in love with Kaydor Aukatsang.
    • 157.
      Silden Gangri says:on 11 January 2021 at 4:42 pm

      The Dalai Lama is a holy being. He doesn’t discriminate any Tibetan whoever they are. He cares for ALL sentient beings. Unfortunately, like yourself, many people like Penpa Tsering, Thokmey, Mila use the Dalai Lama as their own property. Their tactic is to use the Dalai Lama’ name to smear people just like Pakistani’s use blasphemy as a means to murder their opponents.

      In order to gain credence among the community, they use the Dalai Lama as their passport of acceptance. Mila is not even a Buddhist. The Dalai Lama advised Tibetans to recite a mantra against the virus but he defied the advise and said it was useless!

      Even so he has been spewing vitriol against other candidates to tarnish them and convince the gullible people to vote for PT. He is in cahoots with people smuggling activities of the late Thinley Kalsang and PT. He has exploited old wounds between two communities to make himself relevant thus tearing apart Tibetan unity. Penpa Tsering is his God father!

      Dongchung is the preferred candidate endorsed by S Rinpoche and several Yabshi family members and many eminent ex-CTA officials. There is not a single eminent Ex-CTA official or Yabshi family who endorsed PT. Every Tibetan who is concerned about the future of Tibet have consigned him to the dust bin of history.

      The vitriol that was spewed at the present administration by PT supporters have created an unbridgeable chasm between the supporters of the present Kashag and the U-Tsang supremacist candidate Penpa Tsering.

      We are heading for more chaos, communal tension and civil strife if Penpa Tsering is elected. Those who have been keeping silent to give a good image of Sikyong LS will now come out with a vengeance to attack PT and his supporters with no holds barred!!!!
    • 156.
      tenzin dekey, from India, says:on 10 January 2021 at 10:58 pm

      Please don’t use name of his holiness for your support for KD. You sounds tukshing. His holiness hoped LS would do good in the beginning but unfortunately he is not an honest leader. Credit stealer. KD is his advisor. Huh.
27. 155.
    Shawn, from Los Angeles, says:on 10 January 2021 at 8:33 pm

    do some people call Lobsang Sangay a despotic ruler? Despotic rulers don’t allow peaceful transition of power or government. Despotic rulers don’t support the democratic process. your criticism of Lobsang Sangay la’s presidency should be based on facts. Just have a look at how he filled up CTA’s coffer with money through his constant outreach to organizations and foreign governments. just be true to yourself, ok? Lobsang Sangay is the best one to take office.
28. 154.
    Lobsang Gyal, from India, says:on 10 January 2021 at 8:01 pm

    When some opponents don’t have points to accuse they bring out baseless allegations. If late Kathak’s son in law is so sure about what he wrote in that opinion piece, then why don’t he file case in Indian court. These things are done to character assassinate PT. He is the kingpin/think tank of all these things. It is in public knowledge that he is behind Chushi Gangdruk Nyingpa. What they did with Taiwan-Tibetan-Mongolian Affairs will remain in Tibetan history. You conveniently blamed Amdowa journalists for not reporting it & conveniently accept what Kathak trulku son in law (Amdowa) wrote in that piece as truth because it suits your thinking. Don’t be blinded by cholkha chikpa, judge other people with an open mind. Always think about Tibet first not my cholkha or your cholkha.
    Why a lama called Ringo Trulku from Bir is spending all those money and stir the society? Where all those money coming from? Why ugyen topgyal is hiding behind and pushing gyari dolma. all those conspiracies are coming out. people are not foolish. why more than 68 voting coming from Bir nangchen to PT?
    • 153.
      Degebhomo, from Dharamshala , says:on 10 January 2021 at 10:01 pm

      You need to read the book Noodlemakers of Kalimpong by Gyalo Thondup la, a Tibetan statesmen, public servant and an amdowa, who goes on record in his autobiography to thank the Tibetan resistance fighters, Chushi Gangdruk, and calls them the true heroes of the Tibetan movement.
      Save your spin and your fake news.
29. 152.
    Lobsang Gyal, from India, says:on 10 January 2021 at 7:25 pm

    The candidate has been criticized of disrespect for the Dalai Lama with incapable leadership and inflated political ambitions. Your candidate has no pedigree. He is a mongrel who is a sharabhi (drunk), people smuggler and a wife cheater! After Kelsang Dorjee Aukatsang took the office, he removed the photo of Dalai Lama and replaced with a photo of Lobsang Sangay.
30. 151.
    Lobsang Yangtal la, from France, says:on 10 January 2021 at 7:09 pm

    I am surprised to see the amount of hatred displayed above. We don’t necessarily have to be against the government or people always just because we live in a democratic society. I doubt the information you got from France wasn’t correct or complete because I voted for Kasur GYARI DOLMA and your information doesn’t show any single vote.
    • 150.
      Karma, from Delhi, says:on 11 January 2021 at 1:07 am

      Yeah, you are right. I think Lobsang Wangyal does not have the full official numbers right now except for few places and the numbers are only estimates.
31. 149.
    Silden Gangri says:on 10 January 2021 at 6:59 pm

    I trust the victim not the perpetrator. If you look at the accusers of Trump or Harvey Wienstein of sexual assault, the world believed the victim and supported them and prosecuted the perpetrator.

    Penpa Tsering exploited the vulnerability of the window and proposed to her only to cheat on her. You can see the opportunistic nature of the guy. He is a predator.

    I am a nationalist and care for my country. That is why I am very passionate to have a good leader who can unite us rather than divide us. I am absolutely convinced that going by the record of Penpa Tsering, he will bring great misery to the Tibetan diaspora.

    The people who are his supporters are deliberately dividing the community on Cholka lines. They are peddling U-Tsang supremacy by relentless bashing of Khampas. These mongrels are the crutch of Penpa Tsering’s ascendency to power just as KKK was the crutch of Trump’s ticket to the White House.

    Look! What’s happening in the US now? This will happen if PT is elected to the high office. I don’t want this to happen to the Tibetan people.

    The victims of Harvey Weinstein and Trump have remained silent for decades until the #Metoo Movement arrived. It gave them the courage to come out in the open. Kathak Tulku’s family also was both scared and embarrassed to come out in the open for all these years because the perpetrator was a powerful person in the CTA hierarchy and had strong support by even more powerful people like Samdhong Rinpoche.

    They only came out because they felt it would be a crime against fellow Tibetans if they don’t sound the alarm!!! They couldn’t bear to be accomplices in the destruction and ruination of the Tibetan Movement. They know him more than ordinary Tibetan people who are carried away by his glib talk.
    • 148.
      Dechen, from Mundgod , says:on 10 January 2021 at 11:29 pm

      The more you comment your true colours is more visible. Now you’re trying to malign Samdhong Rinpoche’s name. Rinpoche is a non divisive khampa & a true followers of HH. He never failed to condemn those who dared to malign HH name unlike current sikyong who took several days to condemn Urgen Topgyal after lots of public outrage. Regarding baseless allegations related to Karthak trulku, you are talking about more than 30 years ago, when PT was unknown. How can he be influential, it doesn’t make any sense. Don’t try to malign Utsangpa by comparing them to Trump supporters. If utsangpa are like that, then Kalon tripa/ sikyong will always be Utsangpa. Real divisive politics are played by khampa’s as evident from the current elections results in khampa dominated areas in Bir and and major monasteries in south India.
      • 147.
        Dongdre, from New York, says:on 11 January 2021 at 8:33 pm

        Really?… then only problem is PT claimed that he was working for Central administration for 10 years in his bio when in fact he was cheating Late katak Tullku’s wife, pillaging their wealth, leaving them in bankruptcy, factories and restaurants closed. If you really care to know the truth, why not ask PT yourself?
      • 146.
        Silden Gangri says:on 11 January 2021 at 12:54 pm

        Dechen, in a civilised society, the victim’s words are taken as the truth but in uncivilised societies, the victim’s testimony is questioned.
        You and your ilk have constantly used the name of the Dalai Lama to malign and tarnish and smear Rangzen advocates or those who pose a challenge to your candidate.

        The late Kathak Tulku’s family is crying out to warn of the devious nature of PT who destroyed the family income and deserted his wife for a younger fresher woman and left the family in the lurch.

        Most women only sleep with men they feel will stick with them otherwise they wouldn’t. PT used the poor widow for his sexual gratification but when he was able to dupe a younger woman into his lecherous hold, he had no scruples to get her laid while he was still married. Finally, he deserted his wife and absconded! How immoral is that?

        How would you feel if your husband does it to you? Is that ok now or in the past? Does time somehow wears down the moralistic and ethical question of a person’s conduct? If that’s the case we can forget the atrocities committed by the Chinese because that was long time ago! We can forget all the crimes in history because it was long time ago!

        William Shakespeare said, “the evil that men do lives after them. The good is oft interred with their bones”. So, PT’s evil deeds will follow him like his shadow.

        You are mesmerised by his intolerance. It’s a great disservice to the Dalai Lama who is portrayed by the likes of PT, as an “intolerant person” who is constantly in need of “protection”. In reality, the Dalai Lama needs no protection by anybody. No one on earth can besmirch his fair name.

        You and fellow travellers are duped into seeing PT as some “protector” for his own selfish end to make himself relevant.
        • 145.
          daveno says:on 12 January 2021 at 2:04 am

          True. Dalai Lama is not a baby who needs constant protection from criticisms. Chinese govt wasn’t able to besmirch Dalai Lama. Dalai Lama is totally capable of defending himself, or just ignoring little chatters as they say –

          foolish people take revenge
          Normal people just ignore

          So we Tibetans should just ignore little criticisms of Dalai Lama. There is no one on this earth including Pope Francis, immune to constructive criticism.

          Criticism of Dalai Lama has no impact whatsoever on his holiness. He’s above worldly silly things.
        • 144.
          Dechen, from Mundgod, says:on 11 January 2021 at 3:12 pm

          Shiden,
          You are blinded by your cholkha chikpa & hatred towards PT. There are talks about LS & Kaydor being womanizer. Few women were named in the process & one of them got separated from her husband because of it. No one raised it in public as it relates to their personal life and happened between the two consenting adults. “Miya biwi razi to kazi kya Kare”. Likewise your great Sikyong candidate Kaydor & Gyari Dolma were separated from their respective spouses. They must be having some irreconcilable difference with their spouse. Nobody raised it, because it is their personal life.
          You are living in fool’s paradise by saying that HH does not need protection. Why CTA have a department of Security? What’s its job? Its top priority job is the security of HH. Although, I truly believe that Dalai Lama is a manifestation of Avaloketshwara but he is in human form. Therefore we need to protect & condemn those who are against HH. Those who criticize, malign and abuse Dalai Lama mostly belongs to your cholkha chikpa likes Lithang Athar, trulku Orgyen Topgyal, etc. Therefore, you conveniently say that HH need not be protected because those people belong to your cholkha. Raise above cholkha & choelug, judge the candidate by their achievements and capabilities, and vote for the right candidate for the greater cause of Tibet.
          • 143.
            Silden Gangri says:on 11 January 2021 at 7:24 pm

            I got enough intelligence that allows me to see who is doing the right thing and who is not. So, don’t play with your cholka card. You may see him in the way you are seeing him but I don’t.

            Look at the TYC splintering into two groups in New York. It was your candidate who was responsible by instigating the late Thinley Kelsang who was the RTYC leader then.

            NY Tibetans are most divided group with TYC, TWA, and community itself is divided on cholka affiliation. How did that happen? It all happened under the auspices of late Thinley Kalsang whose God father is Penpa Tsering.

            You are blinded by your infatuation to him! Your judgment is deluded by your amorous embrace of the man who cheated his wife and deserted her.

            The Ladakh RTYC, Bylakuppe, Kollegal, Hunsur and other RTYCs have been divided on Umai-Lam and Rangzen thus weakening the strength of a very important Organisation. Penpa Tsering was instrumental in this division because those who broke away from TYC were receiving advice from PT. He himself admitted it.

            He has demonised all Rangzen advocates like his master S Rinpoche, who labelled them as “more dangerous than the CCP! He polarised the two groups. So, don’t get caught with your baseless cholka chikpa and hatred of your beloved PT nonsense. I have very good reasons not to have him as the leader.

            Mila is bashing Khampas. Did your beloved say anything about it? After all he is Mila’s God father! No. Not one word.

            The Desung lekhung is for the physical protection of the Dalai Lama. If you are taking about verbal abuse, what has PT done against the venomous vitriolic heaped upon the Dalai Lama by the CCP? Why is it necessary to protect the Dalai Lama from fellow Tibetans but not from the enemy CCP? Does it make sense? Get real!
    • 142.
      Tenzin dawa, from Dharamshala, says:on 10 January 2021 at 11:16 pm

      Don’t mix personal life with politics. Come on. If we mix both, then Both LS and KD are top rated womaniser leader in our community if we keep listening to what other people says. PT is in kindergarten if we compare with both of them. Plus more than 60% of tibetan men would fall into this category of having extra marital affairs with multiple women. So please stop this old story of PT’s association with kathak rinpoche family 20 years ago. I don’t see any weightage here.
      Our current Sikyong LS made Kalon DC pregnent according to some rumours. He also had extra marital affair with DS’s close friend and she got divorced from her husband. But these are either rumours or none of our business to mix with politics. Plus drinking alcohol is again personal choice. Not just Pt who drinks. Every body drinks these days. Gd drinks and smoke openly. That’s ok.
      Those who don’t like someone will always have something to talk about you no matter what.
32. 141.
    clarkyong, from New York, says:on 10 January 2021 at 6:50 pm

    Don’t bring dirty politics in our life!

    what is the root cause of regionalism? These people care only for their region and not proper leader.

    Kelsang Dorjee Aukatsang’s career heavily relies on his close relationship with the current Sikyong Lobsang Sangay. Kelsang Dorjee Aukatsang was appointed to Represent for North America entirely based on the support of Lobsang Sangay, and the appointment was not endorsed by Gaxagat all.
33. 140.
    Concerned, from Earth, says:on 10 January 2021 at 1:10 am

    Just few days before Preliminary election, Sikyong Lobsang Sangay was in New York giving speech to hundreds of people, brazingly breaking the New York state corona virus restrictions. More than allowable number of people in room and no social distancing, police has to come to venue.

    I read Delhi government has 07 days institutional quarantine, plus 07 days of home quarantine, total of 14 days anyone entering from international flight. Did Sikyong has a special privileged pass and exempt from such rules of quarantine of Delhi and Himachal state government? He came to contact with many people in New York, yet Sikyong was seen voting along with his cabinet members and giving interviews. I am concerned.
34. 139.
    Lob Tsering, from Bylakuppe , says:on 9 January 2021 at 8:50 pm

    Former representative in North America Kelsang Dorjee Aukatsang is running for the Sikyong 2021 with his competitive resume and controversies. The candidate has been criticized of disrespect for the Dalai Lama with incapable leadership and inflated political ambitions.

    It was said that Kelsang Dorjee Aukatsang’s career heavily relies on his close relationship with the current sikyong Lobsang Sangay. Source close to CTA said Kelsang Dorjee Aukatsang was appointed to Represent for North America entirely based on the support of Lobsang Sangay, and the appointment was not endorsed by Gaxagat all.

    Meanwhile, another dispute of Kelsang Dorjee Aukatsang is about of disrespect for the Dalai Lama.

    In the past, same as other Tibetan communities, the photo of Dalai Lama were on the wall of the office of Representative for North America. After Kelsang Dorjee Aukatsang took the office, he removed the photo of Dalai Lama and replaced with a photo of Lobsang Sangay. In addition, Kelsang Dorjee Aukatsang failed to manage the reception and security of the Dalai Lama’s visit to the United States. After meeting with President Obama, Dalai Lama was arranged to leave the venue through a garbage conveying passage, which was interpreted as a snub and contempt for Dalai Lama. Normally, any national leader or important person would enter or leave only through the main entrance. Besides, incidents like followers of Shugden rushed in and insult Dalai Lama occurred during Dalai Lama’s visit, which led to accusations of Kelsang Dorjee Aukatsang incompetence. There are some rumors among…
    • 138.
      Silden Gangri says:on 10 January 2021 at 2:36 pm

      Lob Tsering, you are back with your smear campaign in order to pave the way for your candidate. This is how you tarnish people’s reputation to install a drunk, people smuggler and a wife cheater as the next Sikyong.

      You have no logic to contest the reasons for your candidate to hold the high office except character assassination of his opponents. You are a low life.
      Kalsang Dorje is a man of pedigree. The illustrious son of famous Tibetan freedom fighter Chamdo Jampa Kalden. He was part of the Khampa patriots let by Gonpo Tashi, who offered the golden throne to HH in Lhasa in 1959 when the nation was on the cusp of foreign occupation.

      The same fighters escorted the Dalai Lama from under the nose of the PLA to freedom. The Kham people have more devotion to the Dalai Lama than most of Central Tibetans. Kaydor is a proud son of his father who sacrificed his life for the Dalai Lama.

      How dare you to smear a man of integrity of high standing through your jealousy and racism against a Khampa? This absurdity was created by no other than apostate (Dham-Nyampa) Thubtan Thokme and racist Mila Rangzen. These people are Khampa haters who will do and say anything to malign and destroy a Khampa.

      Your candidate has no pedigree. He is a mongrel who is a sharabhi (drunk), people smuggler and a wife cheater! If Penpa Tsering is elected, he will destroy the unity of the Tibetan people even further than he has done since 2016. He is the Trump of exile Tibetans.

      His supporters are the first anti-nationals who protested against the Tibetan Government in Dharamshala led by Penpa Tsering’s people smuggling partner Thinley Kalsang. They heckled Dalai Lama’s Representative Ngodup Tsering in New York. Penpa Tsering will create mayhem among the exile like Trump in the US.
      • 137.
        Dorjee, from Bylkop, says:on 10 January 2021 at 5:29 pm

        Shiden, you accused Lob Tsering of smear campaign & character assassination. When did PT failed in his official duty by getting drunk? Whom did he trafficked to foreign countries? These are all baseless allegations by PT haters without any evidence. Your primary goal is to have someone from your province at all cost without any concern for Tibetan cause. You hate PT so much because he truly believes whatever we achieved till now is due to HH and unlike mr “I” LS. You believe Khamapa’s are superior to UTsangpa. I am sorry to say that real trouble maker in exile community is Khampa’s like Lighang Athar and his group. No utsangpa or Amdowa had to seek pardon from HH for any wrongdoing. It’s Lithang Athar and his old chushi gangduk group who had to seek pardon from HH for their signing agreement with Taiwan-Tibetan Mongolian Affairs. These are all well documented and not hearsay. It’s not just chushi gandtuk alone who escorted HH into exile. There are lots of drapchi kusung mangmi. They never beat the drum to claim credit. As a humble soldier they took it as their duty & good fortune to serve HH. Therefore, whenever HH visits Tibetan community, he always give special audience to them. Real dhamnyam are the likes of Trulku Ugen Topgyal, Tenpa Yarphel, etc, who dared to criticize HH & Nechung. In democratic society, people have right to protest against their leader. So what is wrong, if people rightfully protest against LS, and his appointee representative. His attempt to character assassinate PT with baseless allegations were proven wrong in highest Tibetan court. Is your selective memory that short? Regarding KeDor, what are his achievements? Friend of LS & Son of Jampa Kalden!!!
        • 136.
          Silden Gangri says:on 12 January 2021 at 5:41 pm

          Dorjee. My conscience wouldn’t allow me to accuse someone without basis. It is common knowledge that PT is an alcoholic and he himself admitted as much. While I have no concrete prove, rumour has it that Kalden Lodoe of RFA is alleged to have seen PT fallen on the ground in his office in Washington under the influence of alcohol.

          Concerning the people smuggling, it is public knowledge both in India and NY that the late Thinley Kalsang was struck gold through human trafficking business. Besides, Tibetleaks reports: “the most important source reporters spoke with provided information about the connection with Penpa Tsering and Thinley Kalsang, and had detailed information about Penpa Tsering’s delegation arriving in the US, using it as a cover for human trafficking ring”.

          This is corroborated by the statement made by Sonam Gyatso, son in-law of Kathak Tulku, which says, “Among the piles of old documents left behind by him in his office when he ran away from Pondicherry in haste, we found copies of letters, Letter Heads, Payment vouchers… office seals along with their printing blocks of different organisations in our society. Letters addressed to a foreign embassy, to grant visas to his sibling” with “carefully crafted stories”.

          I am not here to spoil your party. I am here for my country. I want a good, responsible and respectable leader who will do the right thing for Tibet. I am not interested in calling names either even though I call spade a spade.

          You want a leader that you feel comfortable and so do I. Unfortunately, it so happens, we have no meeting point. This is not about cholka or hatred of PT. This is deciding the fate of the future of Tibet in the next five years which is one of the most precarious since 1959 when Tibet was lost.
        • 135.
          Pedor, from Gangtok, says:on 11 January 2021 at 1:13 am

          Who is Jampa Kalden??? Just a regular secretary of Security Department. He is not even the Kalon of Security Department like Dongchung Ngodup la. People making Jampa Kalden to be somebody great during this election is the biggest joke.
    • 134.
      DegeBhomo, from Dharamshala, says:on 10 January 2021 at 4:25 am

      His Holiness has very clearly stated in several speeches recently that he does not approve of Tibetans using him as a tool to score political points. His Holiness is above all of this political slander. There is no one in this world who can minimize the legacy of His Holiness so these petty accusations against Kaydor is pointless and against the advice of His Holiness.
      If Penpa Tsering truly honors and respects His Holiness then he must stop his campaign as well as his supporters from dragging the name of His Holiness in political gimmicks. Please do not use His Holiness to make a political point.
      • 133.
        Tenzin, from Delhi , says:on 10 January 2021 at 3:25 pm

        When did Penpa Tsering dragged HH name to score political points? I never saw him doing that. All his campaign videos are in public domain. Do not accuse anyone without any evidence. It seems disrespecting HH is petty issues when it comes to the person you support. However for majority of the Tibetans it is not acceptable. Although no one can malign HH name & his legacy but it hurts his follower’s sentiments. Replacing HH photo with LS photo by KD is unthinkable for majority of the ordinary Tibetans. This issue was raised on the floor of parliament & LS could not give satisfactory answer. We as Tibetans can not ignore someone disrespecting or maligning HH name. Do not pretend that HH is above all & doesn’t need any protection. Therefore, there are always personal security officers to protect him physically. Likewise we need to voice our concerns when someone shows disrespect or tries to malign HH name. Recently trulku Urgen Topgyal was deservingly condemned by most of the Tibetan monasteries & NGOs for unnecessarily criticizing HH. By your standards he need not be condemned as he belongs to your cholkha. Do research & be truthful to yourself & vote for the best Sikyong candidates without any bias.
        • 132.
          DegeBhomo, from Dharamshala , says:on 10 January 2021 at 9:53 pm

          Don’t jump attack without understanding the context. Read the comment directly above by Penpa tsering supporter that accuses Kaydor of disrespecting the Dalai Lama. My comment was in response to that comment, how PT supporter have no qualms of dragging the name of His Holiness to attack their political opponent.

          You want proof right, well the proof is right in front of your eyes. PT’s most vocal supporter, separatist and extremist Thupten Thokmay, peddled this fake story about Kaydor.

          Thupten thokmay is an extremist who uses hate speech to incite hate and violence against Khampas, the minority group in Tibetan exile. Penpa Tsering has not once condemned this extremist and terrorist.
    • 131.
      A D says:on 10 January 2021 at 12:36 am

      He has cleared all rumors already…what is the point of digging through trash over and over again? He is fed up of explaining himself to haters. Support who you want to support but don’t bring others down.
35. 130.
    Karma Dhondup, from Canada, says:on 9 January 2021 at 7:54 pm

    When I was in Beijing, people call us Tibetans minority group! They don’t know that we have this regionalism! Inside Tibet we are three different provinces but we feel one with light dialect differences only that we need to talk in Lhasa dialect. In exile people become regionalism because they are away from home and want to get stick to their home region, so they are always protecting their home town men, so I think there lies a psychological problem !!! So be tolerant to each other and don’t feel your region people are more Tibetan than others! Being a refugee we are psychological affected too, which we can’t do to Chinese and throwing anger within our own community…
    Yes, it is really a big loss for not voting Gyari Dolma, which we can not fill the gap to solve political situations of Tibet. However now we have to stay like a Exile community as today but political situation will remain the same.
36. 129.
    Passang duk, from Dharamshala, says:on 9 January 2021 at 7:03 pm

    There is miscalculation in the vote counting . How GD votes comes down instead of increasing. Before GD total vote is roughly around 13000 . Now it’s total vote is 12 360. Please calculate it well. Don’t represent the wrong figures.
37. 128.
    Tenzin, from Toronto, says:on 9 January 2021 at 11:00 am

    The concept of Khampa, Amdo, Utsang is bit new. When Tibetans from Tibet started arriving in India since 1979, they brought along that concept of tribal mentality. Tibetans in India have mostly don’t identify themselves on the basis of their ‘phayul’ or cholkha (province of birth in original Tibet).

    They mostly say stuff like “I am from Bylakupee camp 4 shichak.” A counterpart Amdo newcomer from Tibet will say “I am from Amdo 5. or Ngaba.” In Tibet, Khampas and Amdos do refer to Utsang province people as “Tibetans” who should not be trusted. Utsang people similarly didn’t see Amdos and Khampas as Tibetans, and thought Tibetan population was 1.5 million as they didn’t count Khampa and Amdos. So Tibetans from Tibet, all cholkhas, brought this concept into exile, which has become toxic. Shichak Tibetans have no concept of ‘phayul chikpa’, they talk only in terms of ‘ shichak chikpa.’

    Anyway, Gyari Dolma and Kaydor are counting on ‘phayul chikpa’ where as Penpa Tsering is counting on ‘shichak chikpa’. But Sir Dongchung Ngodup wouldn’t hear of both, as he has been to Tibet several times, and is emotionally close to both Tibetans inside/from Tibet and in exile. My vote goes to Dongchung Ngodup, as he is a dark horse, who will come a winner in the finals, just like Narendra Modi who suddenly dropped from the sky and outseated the most promising PM candidate Advani.

    My vote goes to Dongchung Ngodup. Another reason is that I heard Tsoksur Penpa Tsering is still dependent on alcohol to increase his happiness, despite the fact the HH Dalai Lama said ‘If you drink alcohol, people will say’ He’s a rabsi. They won’t respect him. Alcohol might give you temporary pleasure by making your brain topsy-turvy. But that is not a long term…
    • 127.
      Silden Gangri says:on 9 January 2021 at 5:49 pm

      When Tibetans say “Bhod”, it has always meant the three provinces of Kham, Amdo and U-Tsang. This is from imperial times to this day. It’s not true that it came into existence after 1979. I have met Tibetans who arrived in India who told me the Chinese were driving out all monks from Kham to go back to Kham, saying, “you don’t belong here”.

      It’s a historical tradition for monks of Kham, Amdo including Mongolians, Ladhakis and Kinauris to come to Lhasa’s great universities to study the great Buddhist literature and achieve graduation. It’s like studying in Oxford or Cambridge for South Asians.

      The Chinese both Kuomintang and the CCP have tried to divide Tibet to weaken it and overcome Tibetan resistance to their imperial ambitions. They therefore called the part ruled by the Ganden Phodrang as Tibet and the to the east of Drichu as Kham while Amdo was integrated into Qinghai.

      As a result the locals talked about going to “Bhod” when they meant Lhasa. We must remember that the three provinces of Tibet are inseparable. All Tibetan Governments throughout history never relinquished this historical stand.

      The present Middle Way is also meant to unite the three provinces under one jurisdiction by forfeiting independence. So, if you are a follower of MW, it is incumbent to stick together as one people.

      The Rangzen advocates reject Chinese rule and seek total independence and be masters of our destiny as it was in pre-1959 Tibet. All the same both remain absolutely committed to the unity of the three provinces and be one nation. Without this unity, we will not survive as a people with our distinct language and culture.

      So, let us not give opportunity to the Chinese enemy to fish in troubled waters of Tibetan politics. Let us all unite as Tibetans.
38. 126.
    Tsering, from Canada, says:on 9 January 2021 at 9:29 am

    Penpa Tsering is leading by big margin of 9,613 votes (22,321) to second place (12,708) votes as reported by Radio Free Asia as of January 08, 2021, which is commendable considering the fact he did not go anywhere to campaign. Covid-19 is very serious pandemic as we know.

    I applaud Penpa Tsering’s understanding of the magnitude of this contagious disease, and his decision not to go on a campaign trail despite his supporters request. Thank you for staying where you are during lockdown; and respecting state government restrictions of non-essential travel.

    Once again, I respect Penpa Tsering La for not putting public at health risk of Covid-19 over some votes.
39. 125.
    Yeshi, from New York, says:on 9 January 2021 at 8:28 am

    PT supporters can be categorized into four types.
    A) 40% supported him in order to counter who Khampa’s are voting. Their only reason is that khampa’s are supporting LS so we better support PT. If it happens most khampa’s are supporting PT then they will probably support DN, or even GD or kaldor. So their only principle is to counter khampas.
    B) 30% feels Utsang is majority in exile but so far no kalon tripa or sikyong from utsang. Tethong TN was kalon tripa, but they think he is from Lhasa and they need someone from toepa. On top of that they say our people, Utsang working committee endorsed PT last time.
    c) 20% were forced by above 70% to support them. They were scolded that you are “Le-tong” if you don’t support them. In order to prove that they are not “Le-tong” they support PT.
    D) 10% only feels PT is deserving, despite his loopholes, extra-marital affairs, fraud, incompetence, running away with a college student girl.

    Good luck Tibet and Tibetans!
40. 124.
    Phosa yakpo, from Lhasa, says:on 9 January 2021 at 8:08 am

    Time for kaydor and gyari dolma supporters to unite and beat penpa tsering!
41. 123.
    Aro_ Lineage says:on 9 January 2021 at 7:47 am

    Utsangs being the majority always set the tone and tenor of the exile admin. It was them that created the Chikdril tsokpa, it was them creating the rift in Chushi Gangdruk, all this in His Holiness’s name and they continue to do. If and when their candidate wins they will continue to play the victim. Not all Utsangs are like that but many have that mindset and exposing now more and more as His Holiness is getting ahead in age. They’re supposed to be more open minded but more and more they want to emulate the Khampas. I don’t know if that will work though.
    May the best candidate win for the benefit of all Tibetans and Tibet.
42. 122.
    dolma, from Usa, says:on 9 January 2021 at 7:19 am

    I would love to PT la but he has drinking issue so i don’t trust alcoholic people even he said he gave up!!!!
    • 121.
      TENZIN, from Delhi , says:on 9 January 2021 at 11:10 pm

      When did he have drinking issues? I never heard about his failure to do his official duty. Could you enlighten us? If he had a drinking issue LS would definitely point it out during his removal from the post of representative. The likes of Tenpa Yarphel, Sonam Topgyal would never fail to point it out in drotsok, if he fails in his duty. So, don’t go by hearsay. Judge it with logic. Most people drink occasionally. There’s no harm in it, unless it doesn’t affect your official works.
    • 120.
      Nam says:on 9 January 2021 at 2:42 pm

      If you don’t trust it’s your problem. LS promised too much. Has he done ???
43. 119.
    Moonshine, from Americas, says:on 8 January 2021 at 10:52 pm

    Khampas and Amdos are the minorities in the Tibetan exile population and honestly do not stand the chance to have any position of power in the Tibetan electoral process if ustangs voted only for utsang candidates. If the estimates are correct, there are far more ustang people in exile than khampas and amdos combined. So we need to credit people of utsang origin for their open mindedness and doing right by the country and its people.
    However, I also want to offer an explanation for an accusation constantly levelled against khampas for being very united and regional. I think minorities in every culture tend to stick together, it is almost a primal survival instinct. There are race and ethnicity theories that explain this. Khampas solidarity with each other and their close knit community is not driven by regional distrust or hate. However, some rogue actors/elements in our community have exploited this to drive a wedge between the three cholkas in exile. Some of the most prolific Sikyongs in the past were khampas who were endorsed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. His Holiness depended on these khampa men to lead the struggle for all Tibetans. In writing this, I hope people see the damage people such as thupten thokmay, mila rangzen and other separatists are doing to damage the social fabric of our community. For the last forty years, we have had a pretty united exile population save for a few incidents here and there. We should not be attacking PT or Lobsang sangay, all our outrage should be directed towards separatist and extremist such as mila rangzen, thupten thokmay who will go to any length for notoriety and money over country and people.
44. 118.
    Tashi, from Himalaya, says:on 8 January 2021 at 9:36 pm

    Total/sum votes are not matching if we add one by one. It should be more professional as it will create lots of confusion and also problem with community which are avoidable if work professionally. Kindly look into it. If u r not sure if votes. Just wait for confirmation till get authenticate results from ur sources. Anyway thanks for trying to be transparent but half cook food will hurt digestive system. ?
45. 117.
    MoonAro, from Portland, says:on 8 January 2021 at 9:05 pm

    Everyone loves an underdog story and utsang people are no exception. They voted for Penpa Tsering over DN which is remarkable and admirable. But I think they largely got carried away by Penpa Tsering’s “I am a victim” PR campaign. He milked his perennial victimhood state to sway utsang vote. He is caught in an illicit affair with his much older mentor’s wife, the stress of which many claim led to his mentor’s death. He didn’t kill the guy but some have alleged it was an abetment to suicide kinda situation. I am not blaming PT for his death but I am rather impressed with how he got out of this situation claiming to be the bigger victim than the dead rinpoche haha. Even in the Kashag vs PT situation, he did a masterful spin and shifted all the blame to kashag without accounting for even one of his mistakes. This was one of the most embarrassing chapter in modern tibetan exile history.
    The point I am getting to is PT has only one card in his quiver which is the victim card and the ‘benevolent’ utsang voter base got played hard by him.
    His votes are not based on his ability to improve tibetan lives or the tibetan movement’s standing in the world, it is sympathy vote. He is lacking in so many ways to represent Tibet and the Tibetan movement to the world. I hope Utsang people do some self-reflection and may be in the next cycle, they vote for the person most deserving.
    Kaydor Aukatsang is the right candidate if we really put country before sympathy.
    • 116.
      Gangchenpa, from London, says:on 9 January 2021 at 10:17 am

      I honestly pity people like you. We’re electing the Political head of our administration and for that, if we were to criticize, we’ve to look at his visions and policies laid out in the coming years. Criticizing him and demeaning him on grounds of personal life are nothing but a mere political vendetta.
      And as for your Sikyong candidate, KD lacks experience in working at the grassroots level in the community as well as during his period at the Office of Tibet, his works lacked transparency and accountability which created a massive stir in the exile Tibetan Community. As for me, he’d come in the last name of my Sikyong candidate lists.
      I’d like to suggest you to research more and study in depth.
      • 115.
        Moonshine, from Portland, says:on 9 January 2021 at 1:48 pm

        Penpa Tsering is a public figure seeking the highest office in the Tibetan government. His personal life and personal choice should be under scrutiny. I agree to his family being off limits but his personal choices must be judged. One of the defining feature of good leadership is good judgement and lapse of judgement even in personal life can reflect in public life. Also this is the kalon tripa election and not a kindergarten race where the candidates need to be coddled. All candidates need to be exposed for who they are so people can make informed decision when voting. Kaydor was never caught up in any scandal, it is just a figment of your imagination.
46. 114.
    Tenzin pema, from Dharamshala, says:on 8 January 2021 at 3:31 pm

    why Ringo Trulku from bir is spending all expense of Gyari Dolma’s campaign? why ugyen topgyal is hiding behind and spending money for vote gain?. and another question why Hard liner Dotoes pushing Tenpa Yarphel intentionally?
    • 113.
      NorbuT says:on 9 January 2021 at 11:08 pm

      So what? They’re free to support who they like. Did you not vote for who you like? and did not your Mila and Thokmey radicalize you to not only vote for Penpa Tsering but engage in the most vitriolic hatred against Khampas? When you point a finger to someone, 3 fingers are pointing towards yourself. so keep that in mind. This election process and in months and even years running up to the election has exposed the so-called Utsang (non) regionalistic mindset. It is all a farce. They just do it in a different way.
    • 112.
      Tashi, from Mn, says:on 9 January 2021 at 9:54 am

      Do u have any proof?
47. 111.
    Stanzin, from Us, says:on 8 January 2021 at 9:51 am

    Thank you every one who voted Kaydor and brought him as the
    second candidate.
    Now waiting for a live debate between kaydor and Penpala.
    La oh, la oh will be kaydor’s only answer to every question.
    • 110.
      Passang duk, from Dharamshala, says:on 8 January 2021 at 8:56 pm

      Kaydor don’t deserve to be in second position. PT will easily overtake kaydor by leaving a huge margin in the final round of election. I don’t see him any chances of winning the election in the final round. Sorry to say this time his luck is not in his favour.
    • 109.
      Dorjee T, from USA, says:on 8 January 2021 at 2:23 pm

      As a PT supporter i am happy that Kaydor came to final which means PT will easily win against Kaydor. if Gyari Dolma came in the final then our candidate may face quite tough time to challenge as she has full package including her voters which are 90% not Khampas. she got support from bir area because they are grateful for her services and still hope for more from her, unlike delhi, dharamshala and shichak people already forgot her sacrifices and services for their welfare! she was my second candidate thats why i am surprised too. tibetans don’t want to know who has worked for their cause once they move to europe and their family in india get everything ready made. however, now for us pt supporters is the road easier by getting kaydor as our opponent, whose votes will not go more then 3000. thank you, pt gyallo.
    • 108.
      Dorje Passang, from Mundgod, says:on 8 January 2021 at 12:38 pm

      You are right. Waiting for the moment when the disguise from this fraudster candidate called Kaydor will fall off for all to see.

      LS did a dirty game on GD big time by pulling this stunt by securing all the votes from the big monasteries in South India for his puppet candidate to further his despotic rule.
      • 107.
        Aro, from Toronto, says:on 8 January 2021 at 10:26 pm

        haha did this guy just call Lobsang Sangay a despotic ruler? Despotic rulers don’t allow peaceful transition of power or government. Despotic rulers don’t support the democratic process.
        Going through the comment section, the state of our political discourse is rather disappointing. But then again, how can we expect substantive discussion in a comment section of a news website when we did not even have substantive debate between the candidates.
        To all the Penpa Tsering supporters, your criticism of Lobsang Sangay la’s presidency should be based on facts. The ten years of his Presidency has been extremely fruitful and successful. Take for example how he filled up CTA’s coffer with money through his constant outreach to organizations and foreign governments. It would be naïve to pretend that Penpa Tsering is capable of such outreach, the guy is just not that proactive. PT will make a very very nice Nangsi Kalon and people in Dhasa can have him there all the time, they like him so much, but on matters most pertinent to Tibet such as advancing the Tibetan movement, he will be a failure and therefore he is not my choice for Sikyong. In terms of physical appearance, he looks like Philippine’s president Duterte and that could be a turn off for many world leaders haha. Jokes aside, Utsang people got swayed by PT’s underdog story. He has played the victim card and used his perpetual victimhood state to get sympathy votes from the benevolent ustang voter base. He was involved in an illicit affair with his mentors wife, the stress of which ultimately led to the mentor’s death but even in this story he came out ahead as more of a victim than his dead Rinpoche mentor. He has only one card in his quiver, the victim card. Utsangwas, do you want a victim sikyong?
48. 106.
    Chewang Ngokhang, from Southern California, says:on 8 January 2021 at 8:00 am

    U.S. New York 1/6/21

    Penpa Tsering 1400 votes
    K.D. Aukatsang 1100 votes

    Something is not right here. Both ending in even numbers in the hundreds. Is this possible. I’m bumfuzzled, to say the least. Can the New York Association enlighten us.

    Ajo Che
    • 105.
      Lhakpa Dhondup, from New York, says:on 8 January 2021 at 8:22 pm

      They got the wrong numbers. I believe Phayul has more accurate count. Lot of my friends voted for Dongchung Ngodup and his count is not even mentioned by Tibetsun.
49. 104.
    Sutse, from Australia, says:on 8 January 2021 at 7:12 am

    As on 7th January, the result here shows total vote count of 9656 from North America and 4750 Dharamshala, whereas only 4849 from Bylakuppe and 4485 from Mundgod which are supposedly the two largest Tibetan diaspora settlements. Any way thanks to Tibet Sun for facilitating the election result day by day. BOD GYALO
50. 103.
    edgar lee says:on 8 January 2021 at 12:51 am

    Penpa tsering and Kaydor Aukatsang are winning from oppposite parties instead of Dongchung and Gyari. Why?

    The proverb goes: “Find your Tribe, and Love them Hard.” You have to look for people with similar interests and weakness and background as you, and join their camp for survival of the fittest. Anyone who tries to fit into both sides is likely to be distrusted by both sides.

    Gyari Dolma tried to steal Penpa Tsering’s votes in addition to Lobsang Sangay’s by being very diplomatic and non-partisan. Kaydor Aukatsang, on the other hand, started his campaign in switzerland by saying “Anyone who says I pulled down Dalai Lama portrait must be drunk like hell or mad, or mentally ill” to thundering applause from haters of Penpa Tsering. Kaydor won all Lobsang Sangay supporters, numbering 30,000 by his strong statement of support for Lobsang Sangay.

    Dongchung Ngodup also didn’t condemn Lobsang Sangay, and tried to remain neutral. But no matter how neutral he remains, Khampas and LS supporters will never vote him. So his non-alignment policy failed him. Penpa on the other hand is clear – he hates Lobsang Sangay. And all lobsang sangay haters voted him.

    The moral lesson: Find your tribe, and love them hard. Don’t be a bat.

    In my own personal life, this is true. I don’t mix with people outside my tribe, and I distrust unfamiliar peoples and cultures.
    • 102.
      Lobsang, from Nepal , says:on 8 January 2021 at 12:23 pm

      Penpa Tsering Doesn’t hate Lobsang Sangay nor does Lobsang Sangay hate Penpa Tsering. Both had worked in harmony for years before the tumultuous 2016 election which was caused by few ideologues in both camps. It is true that Khampas have tribe mentality (not tribal which is vulgur) as they almost always prioritize their cholkawala over other issues. However, Khampas were never the deciding factor or swing voters in political dictionary. It was always expected that Kaydor and Gyari will eat up lions share of the dotoe votes which they apparently did. Neither is domey voters the deciding factor due to small size in exile. It is the vast majority of U-Tsangs who actually decide the winner. A large number of them have voted for LS in 2011 and 2016 and now it looks like they have swing towards Penpa Tsering.
    • 101.
      Tibetan by blood, from Portland, says:on 8 January 2021 at 7:48 am

      Spoken like a true Chinese
      China’s 2 cent army trying to destroy our unity

      TIBETANS DONT’ BE GULLIBLE ENOUGH TO FALL FOR THESE
51. 100.
    KalsangD, from Toronto, Canada, says:on 8 January 2021 at 12:39 am

    I see a lot of people commenting on the issue of regionaliam in our politics. If we need change then ask for reform in the Tibetan Parliament system to rid of regional or Religion based seats. Also we need to reform our electoral system where candidates, especially Sikyong hopefuls have to put their Phayul (which is in itself problematic since we have both Phayul and Mayul, why specify Phayul, Don’t we have mothers who gave birth to us? and yet we speak as if we have no gender inequalities).

    It is enough to know the name, gender, and location of our Sikyong candidates since they are all Tibetans who want to lead Tibetans. It is irrelevant for us to know their Phayuls and this can also resolve some of the issues and complaints around factionalism and regionalism.
    Let us focus on our candidates’ skills, experiences and visions, their policies/platforms in bringing forward Tibetans to the 21st century. BodGyalo!!!
    • 99.
      Sonam Thondup, from Paris , says:on 9 January 2021 at 5:15 am

      Fully agree with you. Mentioning one’s phayul is doing more damage in dividing our community than good. We are just Tibetans in the eyes of the outsiders and its sufficient. This kind of “legalised compulsory regional division or classification” should be discouraged and reformed. We have many families of mixed marriages (Tibetans of different regions) and this should be seriously dealt with for the benefit of the future generations.
52. 98.
    Lhakpa Dhondup, from New York, says:on 7 January 2021 at 11:39 pm

    I am extremely overwhelmed to see a huge number of Tibetans took initiative in voting for their candidate. Our community is owning up to their rights. As much as how voting is important, knowing your candidate is equally extremely important.
    Whoever wins the race will get my respect 100%. You are my Sikyong!
53. 97.
    Kalsang Dolma, from Toronto, Canada, says:on 7 January 2021 at 8:54 pm

    Thank you to all our Tibetan brothers and sisters who voted, volunteered and took interest in the leadership race. Every effort we made supports strengthening our democracy like HH. KunDun wished for us. Comments with differing opinions that relate to healthy debate is good but negative comments to divide our people further is pointless. I want to also point out that it has only been about a decade since HH KunDun paved the path for Tibetan secular leadership to take over, in Tibetan Exile politics through democratic reforms (since we can’t do anything inside occupied/colonized Tibet). The shift from a theocratic rule or political system that lasted over 400 years is finally changing over to a democratic political system peacefully thanks to the visionary leadership ? of HH 14th KunDun, SamdonRimpoche and many others who worked so hard for decades in exile. We should be proud to have arrived at this point in our democracy although there is more that needs to be changed/reformed to achieve equity, prosperity and well-being in our people and society. Strengthening our people and society should be our present and future Tibet.
    There is so much that still needs to be done and we need our energy and spirit.
    I will end here by thanking all the Sikyong and Chithue candidates for your enthusiasm, volunteer efforts, and hard work in presenting yourselves as political candidates to lead and make positive impacts in our society, and the Tibetan community throughout the world. Tibetans should be proud to see that we do not lack in leadership skills or candidates so now we all need to work harder to educate ourselves, support one another, learn to appreciate everyone’s efforts, exercise our democracy, and have Healthy debates. Learn to listen to one another. Thank you…
54. 96.
    Passang lhamo, from Byllakuppe, says:on 7 January 2021 at 7:33 pm

    Utsang letong is rightly said! How come people vote penpa tsering without thinking his legacy? I don’t understand. truth will be released soon. I heard like penpa tsering paid his worker to promote the vote and do so. so pathetic. don’t bring dirty politics in our community.
    Dongchung ngodup is far better and I hope he will come for final election.
    • 95.
      Silden Gangri says:on 8 January 2021 at 3:23 pm

      There is something untoward in this election. While I admit I have no solid prove, I have a sneaking suspicion some under hand campaign was afoot from Penpa Tsering through his proxies like Mila Rangzen. Thubtan Thokme and Lhaksam. Penpa Tsering was involved in a people smuggling racket with the late Thinley Kalsang. This criminal enterprise is reported in detail on Tibetleaks if you care to read.

      It is corroborated by the recent “OPEN LETTER” by the son-in-law of the late Kathak Tulku. Sonam Gyatso alleges, Penpa Tsering forged letter heads, stamps and letter heads of important organizations and committed criminal activities. Only TibetExpress has carried the “open Letter” and all other news outlets like Tibet Sun, Phayul, Tibet Times have ignored the scandalous letter concerning Penpa Tsering.

      The late Thinley Kalsang and Penpa Tsering were in cahoots with a human trafficking syndicate and this made Thinley Kalsang extremely rich and influential. There is a needle of suspicion that perhaps, promises were made to gullible Tibetans of either cash incentive or visas to US if they vote for Penpa Tsering through his proxies.

      Penpa Tsering is known to have taken at least two groups of people in the guise of “Tibetan delegates” in the last 15 years using his high position as a Parliamentarian of the CTA according to the report. It’s alleged he was able to procure US visas with ease unlike ordinary Tibetans who find it almost impossible. This made Penpa Tsering and Thinley Kalsang convenient partners. That is why Thinley Kelsang was the biggest supporter of PT in New York. Today, the same syndicate is survived by T Kalsang’s other crime partners like Mila, Thokme and Lhaksam.

      It is quite unbelievable to vote PT in such numbers after all the controversy.
      • 94.
        Tenzin, from Delhi, says:on 8 January 2021 at 11:01 pm

        Ha Ha,
        It is easy to accuse anyone. Allegation should be based on proof not hearsay. Be a man enough to accept the truth. LS dare PT to file case, if PT was not satisfied with his 10 point allegations. PT filed the case & won the case convincingly in the court of law. These Kathak trulku controversy is lingering for too long. Those chithue like Sonam Topgyal ( Balwala) Tenpa Yarphel etc brings it in parliament sometime when they don’t have any point to accuse PT. They don’t have the guts to say it outside the parliament nor to file a case against PT. It’s just to fool the public. Now so called karthak trulku’s son in law must be rewarded by these people for writing an opinion piece in Tibet Express. Was so called Karthak trulku son in law sleeping for the last 30 years. Anyway, who will believe in Tibet express which is run by Serta Tsultrim. Who is also one of them. Don’t expect other media to publish rubbish like Tibet Express.
        • 93.
          Silden Gangri says:on 9 January 2021 at 12:42 pm

          Tenzin, PT sleeping with the widow of Kathak Tulku is a FACT! He then cheated on the widow and began an affair with his present wife is also a fact! Guys like you prefer to hide the truth like cat hides it’s poo because it’s unpleasant, right?

          The bias of the Tibetan media is breathtaking! Kathak Tulku’s son-in-law was in person and held a press conference but not one word was reported about his allegations! Why? People have the RIGHT to know when the accused is a public figure.

          But they kept a deafening silence because the press is infiltrated by cronies of PT. Most of the Tibetan language print media are run by Amdowas while the Radio and TV news are all manned by the same Amdowas. They protect their lungpa-Chikpa from undue negative coverage of salacious scandals that dog PT.

          Trump’s sexual encounter with Stormy Daniels was reported in October of 2016 before the November 13th election. It’s nature of politics to expose the wrongs and weaknesses of the candidates in order for the people to judge for themselves. It’s the responsibility of the press to be open and transparent.

          The alleged murder accusation of Kathak Tulku by PT was made by no less a person than Juchen Thubtan. Whatever the truth may be, it’s part of the personal history of PT and there is no way it can be erased. Sonam Gyatso is still married to Kathok’s elder daughter and lives in Pondicherry. it’s insolent of you to call him so called.

          He is exposing PT because he feels a great sense of duty to avoid the misfortune PT brought upon his family to be brought again to the Tibetan people if he ever becomes the Sikyong. It’s patriotism not vengeance. PT is Trump of Tibet.

          Trump’s sexual affair with Stormy Daniel happened in 2006 but it took ten years before it came out in the open!
          • 92.
            englishvinglish says:on 12 January 2021 at 9:47 pm

            when someone kills your father what do u do? go to court or do a press conference? get lost. i know you are a hardcore aro with no logic other than regionalism in your head.
          • 91.
            Tenzin, from Delhi, says:on 9 January 2021 at 8:17 pm

            When some opponents don’t have points to accuse they brings out baseless allegations. If late Kathak’s son in law is so sure about what he wrote in that opinion piece, then why don’t he file case in Indian court. This things are done to character assainate PT. Thank god you mentioned Juchen’s accusation about PT. He is the kingpin/think tank of all these things. It is in public knowledge that he is behind Chushi Gangdruk Nyingpa. What they did with Tibetan Mongolian Affairs will remain in Tibetan history. You conveniently blamed Amdowa journalist for not reporting it & conveniently accept what Kathak trulku son in law (Amdowa) wrote in that piece as truth because it suits your thinking. Don’t be blinded by cholkha chikpa, judge other people with an open mind. Always think about Tibet first not my cholkha or your cholkha.
    • 90.
      tash dolkar, from Dharamshala, says:on 8 January 2021 at 10:27 am

      do not try to paint some one without knowing facts. who is spending all those huge campaign money behind Gyari dolma and kaydor? Why a lama called Ringo Trulku from bir is spending all those money stir soceity? where all those money coming from? why ugyen topgyal is hiding behind and pushing gyari dolma. all those conspiracies are coming out. people are not foolish. why more than 68 voting coming from bir nangchen to PT? can’t cheat people any more….
    • 89.
      Kelsang Palmo, from Bylkop, says:on 8 January 2021 at 3:25 am

      If that’s the case then I also heard that a couple of other candidates either paid or promised Cabinet seats in exchange for support. These are rumours and I know better than to name and malign people online unnecessarily. This is the people’s mandate, how a democracy works. If you believe otherwise then you should go live in Tibet under China’s autocratic leadership which probably suits you better.
    • 88.
      Tenzin Tashi, from Delhi, says:on 8 January 2021 at 1:54 am

      Bingo! Final will decide between Penpa Vs Gyari Dolma.
55. 87.
    DDD, from Canada, says:on 7 January 2021 at 3:31 pm

    Preliminary election results highlight a strong evidence of regionalism within Tibetan community. This is a FACT. Certain sections of our community casted their ballot only to leaders who belong to their region that of course is unfortunate. Those who exercise their democratic right blindly undermine our collective struggle against a common enemy. Unity only can strengthen us. Internal conflicts will have detrimental impact on us Tibetans.
    • 86.
      Sangay, from Australia, says:on 8 January 2021 at 12:46 pm

      True about regionalism which became more pronounced since the 2016 election. In this election, other good candidates don’t stand a chance in this tidal wave of regionalism which is unfortunate but true.

      We should be all so proud of the really great Sikyong candidates we have this election and how maturely and positively they conducted their campaign.
56. 85.
    Tashi sonam, from Mundgod, says:on 7 January 2021 at 3:26 pm

    After reading all the comments we can observe that utsang people are the one who is dividing in our community using Harsh words and slogans like aro aro. think properly! We need a leader who can represent our country to the other 58 countries. so far lobsang sangay did a great work and made the title fame.
    I dont think any candidate can do this.
    At least candidate like kaydor aukatsang has a great vision and ideas to bring up our government to be a modern.
    • 84.
      Sonam Tashi, from Bylakuppe, says:on 7 January 2021 at 11:52 pm

      Tashi Sonam you better not bring this U-Tsang issue in here or I am gonna come over to Mysore and give you shabaley.
    • 83.
      Tsering, from USA, says:on 7 January 2021 at 8:09 pm

      Tashi Sonam la, You are wrong Kaydor has no vision, moral values and work ethics. He is only LS Champcha, He was REPRESENTATIVE TO USA, see his effort for GB collection, worse of all representatives, created a lot of controversies in the States during HH Visit. He do not care about the Expenses, stay in hotel even though he has place to stay in Tibetan Family House or in Buddhist Center but prefer to stay in Hotel with other’s expense. He only might have idea but do not how to execute. Dharamshala is the Center of our CTA, see how people have voted!!
    • 82.
      Tenzin dekey, from India, says:on 7 January 2021 at 7:28 pm

      Come on. Utsang is the only cholka devoid of regionalism. Get your facts right. LS is a kind of individual who likes to take credit of other’s work. Since KD is his advisor and I expect he will also do the same. We need honest, transparent and straight forward leader not like LS.
    • 81.
      Karma, from Delhi, says:on 7 January 2021 at 7:19 pm

      Kaydor got all these votes not because he has better vision or greater capability than other sikyong candidates. Kaydor is being voted by three types of groups of Tibetans:

      1. Sikyong LS fanatical followers who will blindly follow LS. That’s why Kaydor was publicizing his 20 some years of friendship with LS through photo collage since college days in social media. From the results it is clear that almost all the big monasteries in Bylakuppe and Mundgod voted for kaydor. Also LS NY visit for TSPA talk recently explains the bigger vote number for kaydor than GD as those fanatical followers in New York were impassioned Right before the voting time by LS.

      2. Most of the Tibetan army and ex-army who believed they are voting for son of army Jampa kalden. Throughout his campaign Kaydor was using his father’s story and biography so much as if his late father was running for the sikyong post. Also, his father was not as great as he is being lionized right now. Listen to sikyong candidate Tashi topgysl’s views on jampa kalden, kaydor and youdon aukatsang (she is another spineless opportunist warming chiithu seat). In this regard, I must respect GD for not flaunting her family members’ contributions in Tibet’s history and politics during this campaign and ran the campaign solely on her own merit like other sikyong candidates did.

      3. Those group of 5/50 airheads who live in the bubbly world of instant gratification and goes wherever the hype is. Even though while kaydor is 53 years old, and only few years younger than other sikyong candidates, these airheads believe him to be some youth icon.
      • 80.
        Pemba Ghangtsa, from Ladakh, says:on 9 January 2021 at 10:40 pm

        Karma stick to the candidates if you have to criticize or open your filthy mouth, you cannot comprehend the achievements the sacrifices and the works our first Dapon and former Desung Drunchey the late Jampa Kalden la. so if you must open your mouth be respectful or keep it shut. a Tibetan as an army man I will ask you to first do your research about the person you are writing about. he was a legendary figure and such rubbish about a person who served the community in exile throughout his life will not be tolerated, especially from a non entity like you.
        You can criticize the candidates Kaydor, Gyari Dolma la or Penpa Tsering la if you must or tell us what you or your family have done for the community we would be happy reading that.
      • 79.
        tsering, from USA, says:on 8 January 2021 at 1:10 am

        Karma la, I agree with your point that Kaydor has neither intellectual nor experience to be our Skiyong, he is like empty vessel which makes lot of noise like his Guru LS. Secondly his late father Jampa Kalden only salute and yes sir people that is why he do the rank. He did not fight for the welfare of ordinary soldiers. He organized 5/50 for youth with the expense of Tibetan Government, they may got some experience but no result or outcome yet. He basically did to get Vote. Why he did not organized 5/50 together to exchange the ideas with each other. Moreover he tour many place to promote Gangchen Financial Institution to create a Local Community BANK, Till now RBI has not approved. In regular bank you can deposit and withdraw money but Gangchen cannot do that.
        • 78.
          Tsering ragushar Sff army, from Bhandara, says:on 8 January 2021 at 9:22 pm

          Jampa kalden is full bakwas admi who is a leytong and get good posts from friends with big people. Kaydor’ and his sister are same same like their useless dad. When Lobsang sangay is PM, these two brother sister dosti with him. Next sikyong also, they do dosti with him. Izzat ka koi naam nahin! Besharam!
    • 77.
      Tenzin, from India, Bylakuppe, says:on 7 January 2021 at 6:32 pm

      no, it is the Khampa especially the monks who mostly vote on regionalism. If Utang votes on regionalism, then Donchung Ngodup should win overwhemingly as most population still U-stang. Look at Bir.
57. 76.
    Osel, from Dehradun, says:on 7 January 2021 at 3:15 pm

    Now the fight is between Chushi Gangdruk New and Old Tsokpa. It’s very sad if Gyari Dolma does not come in the final. How come Kaydor got so much at Mundgod and Luksam against Gyari?!!
    • 75.
      Truth hurts, from Bylakuppe , says:on 7 January 2021 at 8:04 pm

      It’s a well known fact that most monks are in Lugsam & Mundgod. They always voted for their cholkha people which is mostly Khampa. They do not consider candidates who is good for Tibet. This time, they voted for Kaydor because he belongs to gelugpa sects and Gyari to Nyingma. These monks are down right communal.
      • 74.
        tsomo says:on 8 January 2021 at 1:02 am

        Kaydor Aukatsang is a closet agnostic. He doesn’t believe in religion. But he professes to be a very religious man. He doesn’t know which Tibetan Buddhist sect he belongs to.

        Kaydor is a strange mix of Tibetan, Indian, and American. He doesn’t belong to all three, and yet, he is familiar to all three cultures. So he faces identity crisis.
        • 73.
          Osel, from Dehradun, says:on 8 January 2021 at 11:19 pm

          I, for one wish for Gyari Dolma la to come in the final. Kaydor is parachute candidate, came from nowhere. Compared to Gyari Dolma la, his contribution to the cause and community is tiny bits. He should withdraw and profess his support for GD. GD in return can appoint him on some post.
    • 72.
      Gonpo tashi, from Dharamshala, says:on 7 January 2021 at 7:24 pm

      Lobsang Sangay brainwashed all our monks in sera, Drepung and gandhen to vote for Kaydor and that explains Kaydor’s big numbers. Also clearly regionalism played a huge factor in this election for all the candidates.
    • 71.
      Tenzin, from India, says:on 7 January 2021 at 6:28 pm

      Kaydor got his votes from Lugsam (Sera), and Mundgod (Drepung and Gaden) on regionalism (Khampa) and religious sect (Gelug), and Gyari Dolma is Nyingma and PT is Amdo and only from lay people.
    • 70.
      Tenzin, from India, says:on 7 January 2021 at 6:23 pm

      Sera, Gaden and Drepung voted for Kaydor on regional (Khampa) and religious (Gelug) lines as Dolma Gyari is Nyingma. Heard from reliable sources all those monks consolidated their votes to him.
58. 69.
    Namgyal, from Himachal , says:on 7 January 2021 at 9:02 am

    I can’t see the election result of Tenzingang settlement Arunachal Pradesh.
    I hope you will announce the result soon of that settlement.
59. 68.
    Adruk Tenpa, from Dharamshala, says:on 7 January 2021 at 4:24 am

    Every time when there is Sikyong election it reminds me of our ex-Sikyong, Samdhong Rinpoche’s statement. Many years ago, he said that we change the driver of our vehicle now and than but the engine of our vehicle is out of order.
60. 67.
    Nico, from France , says:on 7 January 2021 at 2:48 am

    All Tibetans have become mad, who says his holiness is liking that person win the election. Maybe those people don’t need his holiness that is very easy.
61. 66.
    Mingdor, from MN, says:on 6 January 2021 at 11:54 pm

    With HH in his 80s, this election is significant in giving an impactful boost to our national struggle.

    We have lost 10 years under Lobsang Sangay. Chanting Harvard like Mani, he deceived people with unattainable promises like “solving Sino-Tibetan issue,” “bringing HH to Potala,” “producing 10,000 doctorates,” etc. To the world, he narrated his “My family has one cow, two chicken story.” When amidst Khampas, he screeched his Lithangpa shrills. To the Utsangpas, he mentioned his wife’s 179-knot distant relation with Sakya Gongma. When with Amdowas, he narrated how he single-handedly smuggled the Chushi Gangdruk Papers and exposed the “Khampa clouts.”

    I do not blame LS because he is basically a small man. Generosity and magnanimity are not part of his DNA makeup. He does not have a decent article, let alone book to claim any scholarly renown. I did not mind his lies, deceptions, and braggadocios, even his most recent antics on Tibet Policy.

    But this chap LS tried to wrestle power that are extra-constitutional. I am Khampa, but I am a Tibetan first; and HH is my leader. HH was the constitutional “head of the state.” Sikyong is only “the head of the executive/govt.” Ours is a constitutional democracy, where constitution is legislated by the parliament elected by the people and reigns supreme. However, Sikyong was behaving despotic and using a small bunch of disgruntled Khampa and Rangzen fraction to create divisions in our society. He has that dark dictatorial traits that he has now transfused to his loyalist Kaydor.

    It is time we have a leader, not a despot or an imposter! Anyone other than my fellow-Khampa, LS-endorsed Chamdo Phosa will do. Be it PT, DG, DN, LN, YP & TT. Let’s work and take Tibet from where it was a decade ago!
    • 65.
      Yeshi, from New York, says:on 8 January 2021 at 9:54 am

      Some of you’ve the biggest ego that you can’t accept your candidates defeat in 2016. You guys are the one’s hindering our societies’ development with your antique attitude. LS’ term is almost over with lots of achievements, but your minds are clouded with ego, jealousy and vindication of the past defeat that you don’t see anything clearly.

      Solving Sino-tibetan issue is every Tibetan’s wish and LS tried but failed as all kashags before him. What did you do apart from the yearly March 10th protest or was it snowing that day, or didn’t get leave?

      “Bringing His Holiness to Potala” and “10000 doctorates” is the dream of great leaders like LS, and to inspire us to work for our cause. But here we do nothing for our cause rather criticize people who work. And some petty people like you even distracted our leadership with protests and suits.

      At least now, we could see and hear hundreds (if not thousands) of Tibetan doctorates. Before LS, heard of only a few Tibetan doctorates in exile. Only one in Dhasa (Prof DN), that too driven away by people with your mentality.

      HH used to say in his every 10th March speech, that within 5 to 10 yrs Tibetan issue would be resolved and we can go back to Tibet. But we are still here. He was trying to motivate us and not to lose hope. Great leaders have grand visions to inspire us, but petty minds are arguing it’s only 999, not 1000.

      LS did his best and every rational person can see the results in education and scholarship, finance, home, international relations, Gankyi office buildings, houses for newcomers, etc. All the fruitful results of LS’ hardwork benefits all Tibetans equally, whether you are from dotoe, domay or utsang. There is a Tibetan saying ‘Tsampa tastes better, as a day gets longer”. So wait n watch.
    • 64.
      Tsomo, from Boston, says:on 7 January 2021 at 10:36 pm

      Mingdor you nailed it I agree with you 150%.
    • 63.
      Tenzin, from Darjeeling, says:on 7 January 2021 at 8:16 am

      Agree with you on every point you said.
62. 62.
    Concerned says:on 6 January 2021 at 11:39 pm

    Tibetans are genetically programmed to be run by foreigners. Before we lost our country, we were run by either mongol kings or chinese kings or nepal kings according to the close Association and interest of the four tibetan religious sects. Now in exile in india, again they are electing foreign citizenship holders to run the tibetan RC (registration certificate) holders. I think Penpa Tsering and Dongchung Ngodup are RC holders. Dolma gyari might have indian citizenship. And kaydor aukatsang might have us citizenship. Why not make only RC holders as eligible to run for Sikyong as it is for all existing programs are.
    • 61.
      Concerned says:on 9 January 2021 at 12:35 am

      As per CTA, tibetans who take indian citizenship are barred from living in tibetan settlements and take its benefits. Then how can they run for tibetan sikyong position, which is higher benefit and oversees the tibetan settlements and makes rules and administs them. Strange policy application. Why should tibetans not take indian citizenship? Why they should remain stateless from generation to generation?
    • 60.
      Concerned says:on 9 January 2021 at 12:24 am

      As per CTA, tibetans who take indian citizenship are barred from living in tibetan settlements and take its benefits. Then how can they run for sikyong position, which is higher benefit and oversees the tibetan settlements, and makes rules and administer them. Strange policy application. Why should tibetans not take indian citizenship. Why they should remain stateless.
    • 59.
      Rewa, from Dharamshala, says:on 7 January 2021 at 7:49 am

      Absolutely right.
      Only RC holders be our next Sikyong.
      • 58.
        sonam Tenzin, from USA, says:on 7 January 2021 at 5:02 pm

        You are absolutely right! Only RC holder be the sikyong and only RC holders will collect Rangzen Lagdap collection and vote. Oh yeah, only RC holders will lobby also for support from western countries. Good luck with that.
63. 57.
    Tenzin, from Kangra, says:on 6 January 2021 at 11:13 pm

    I wish to ask out of curiosity.
    How come the Europe total for each candidate doesn’t tally with their vote counts given under each country? Is the Europe total only those votes counted on Jan 6 alone? Why the discrepancy?
64. 56.
    Tenzin, from From Hunsur, says:on 6 January 2021 at 10:23 pm

    I don’t understand why people elect PT? he already has bad history and all utsang got brain washed. so pathetic.
65. 55.
    Dawa, from India, says:on 6 January 2021 at 9:50 pm

    I am surprised to see the amount of hatred displayed above. The whole point of voting is to choose a leader among us. And I think the intent of updates provided on the website was to make this whole process transparent and not a platform to show your anger/hatred towards the participants or anybody else for that matter.

    Once you have casted your votes, your job is done. Let the authorities do what they are meant to. We don’t necessarily have to be against the government or people always just because we live in a democratic society.
    • 54.
      Tsering, from USA, says:on 6 January 2021 at 11:55 pm

      I agree with Dawa la, we have only 1.5 lakhs Tibetan People, while they are having difficulty to unite. Your Job for voting is done and now let them count and will decide in democratic way. NY/NJ has approx. more than 10,000 and Canada has more than 10,000. Look at their Voting registration and Vote Caste. WHY!! WHY!! Their leader should focus why people were not paying their GB dues. All the nonsense social media start from NY/NJ. I request every one wait for result and accept the same. Move Forward!
      • 53.
        Adruk Tenpa, from Dharamshala, says:on 7 January 2021 at 8:47 pm

        Tsering from USA, I think you are slumbering with eyes open and not processing your visual corn what is going around your world. GB is an object and the subject is your consciousness. CTA has amended it “CHATRAL BOOK” which is originated from feudalistic system of taxing slaves in Tibet during the Gadhen Phodrang rule. I think China is laughing at our system of administration in exile. CTA could designate the GB name in many different form, example, CTA Movement Contribution Fund or CTA Donation Book etc and many more Tibetan would contribute fund to run the CTA. But Chatral means tax and why CTA is taxing exile Tibetans without getting any income from CTA. Does this make any sense to you.
66. 52.
    Tseyou, from Switzerland , says:on 6 January 2021 at 9:46 pm

    Thanks for uploading up to date news and the results of the 2021 Sikyong preliminary round results. Can you pls also publish 2021 Europe Chitue preliminary round results, if possible.. thanks ?
67. 51.
    Kelsang, from Paris (France), says:on 6 January 2021 at 9:05 pm

    Thank you Tibet Sun for bringing live of the results of our Sikyong 2021. It helps us to get an approximate idea of votes that our running candidates are getting, while counting is in progress. In fact, I doubt the information you got from France wasn’t correct or complete because I voted for Kasur GYARI DOLMA and your information doesn’t show any single vote. So, you got to recheck with your secret source TIBET SUN. Thank you.
68. 50.
    Tibet Analytical says:on 6 January 2021 at 7:42 pm

    Gyari + kaydor = 18,000 Lobsang sangay’s leftwing party )
    Penpa + dongchung = 19,000 ( penpa’s right-wing party )

    Republican party of PT is winning by a small 1000 votes.

    My prediction of vote count is eerily accurate.

    Now kaydor and dongchung will withdraw so that PT and Gyari can lock horns. PT will elect dongchung for a minister. Gyari will elect Kaydor as a minister. This is the hidden party system is rearing its head, though we say we are a partyless democracy.

    I can accurately predict whether a person is LS supporter or PT supporter just by birthplaces, face, and dialect. Hunsur shichak is hardcore PT base while Bir shichak belongs to LS.
69. 49.
    Thokru dakwa, from Truth , says:on 6 January 2021 at 5:42 pm

    If his holiness speaks out, than penpa tsering will be the winner already. but still some cholkas will vote kedor and gd.
70. 48.
    Tenzin, from Kangra, says:on 6 January 2021 at 5:19 pm

    Hopefully there was no rigging during this Primary. We must always remain alert to report them wherever it happens during the entire election process.
    We should accept whichever Sikyong and Chithue candidates are declared the winners of this Primary, and the Final Election in April. That is in the interest of our cause and unity and harmony among fellow Tibetans.

    Thank you Lobsang Wangyal for this opportunity to follow the election closely.
71. 47.
    Tador, from Dehradun, says:on 6 January 2021 at 4:06 pm

    All candidates who stood for Sikyong this time were equally wonderful, capable and they kept their campaign as clean as possible.

    I, as a Tibetan, would respect who ever is elected in the final and will follow him/her leadership with utmost loyalty, democratic scrutiny and full commitment.
72. 46.
    Lex, from Delhi, says:on 6 January 2021 at 2:15 pm

    No matter who wins .. we all have to respect him\her … May the best candidate win. Bod gyalo
73. 45.
    Tibet tsering, from Nepal, says:on 6 January 2021 at 1:48 pm

    Appreciate your hard work, lo Wangyal la. Todays result clearly deficit the hope and aspiration of majority Tibetans to penpa tsering la. This time the great number of exile community are voting for pt la which means for the common cause not the regionalism. only few place have clearly shown their regionalism.
    Hope best will win and lead our community in right direction.
    Long live his holiness the great 14th Dalai lama.
    Unity is our strength.
    Peace.
74. 44.
    Namdiell, from Berlin, says:on 6 January 2021 at 1:24 pm

    Thank you Tibet Sun, with this website no one can fool us. It’s digital Tibet. People please if your candidates is not winning, don’t spread like cheat & use harsh words. Win or loose this in normal in life. Its Tibet cause not like playing poker. Bhoegyalo!
75. 43.
    Losang says:on 6 January 2021 at 1:07 pm

    The current result’s looking scary for the winner. The fun is in the final. Thankfully not too long a wait. May the best win.
76. 42.
    Sonam, from Dehradun, says:on 6 January 2021 at 11:15 am

    i just hope the best wins who selflessly work towards Tibetan cause and Tibetan people who are still under poverty ….
77. 41.
    Aro, from Toronto , says:on 6 January 2021 at 10:09 am

    Congratulations to Penpa Tsering la. As a khampa, I will pray for a successful term for him because in his success is the success of the Tibetan people. My only request to him is to act like a leader for all Tibetans. My hope is he will condemn hate mongers such as Thupten thokmay, mila rangzen and Midget Lhaksam who create so much disharmony in our community. They should be ostracized from our community. They have platforms dedicated to maligning and alienating khampas. This act of solidarity from penpa tsering la will definitely put him in good light and help to heal the community.
    Congrats Penpa Tsering la.
    • 40.
      Silden Gangri says:on 6 January 2021 at 12:13 pm

      Don’t be so fast Aro! There is long way to go yet. Your sincerity is wonderful but your wish will never happen. The very reason PT has these votes is thanks to these divisive characters who divided the gullible and uneducated people. It is these people who have used their anti-Rangzen, anti-Khampa rhetoric that paved the way for PT to come back from the dead. Thanks to these shady characters, who have all along peddled that a person from U-Tsang voting a Khampa is leytong, (brainless) but people from U-Tsang voting an Amdo is fine!!!
      Do you see their racism? You must remember that the most pressing issue this time was to elect a Sikyong to bring harmony but how can a person who is responsible for the disharmony going to bring harmony? Impossible!
      It is like pouring gasoline to douse the fire!!
      • 39.
        Norbu, from India, says:on 6 January 2021 at 7:24 pm

        You are unable to accept the fact that PT is leading. It is the aroks who are playing the regionalism. Look at the results of Bir. The one who is responsible for all this chaos and disunity is Mr I – Lobsang Sangay.
      • 38.
        Tashi, from India , says:on 6 January 2021 at 3:15 pm

        Hi Silden, dont’t preach others before looking at your own cholkhawa. It’s your people who divides the unity, not the other way round. Look at the result of Bir Dege, Nangchen and Tashijong. Whom they voted in 2016 & 2021. Their own Chokhawa all the time without taking into account the merit of other candidates and you expect Utsangpa to be unbiased. You can fool people few times but not all the times. Why can’t your people vote other candidates? You people always blame kudrags and never vote for them despite their sincerity and volumes of works. When it comes to your cholkha, you think that pon and many tsang are worthy people even though they are like warlords in the past. So, vote for a candidate who can & willing to call spade a spade when it comes to those who criticize HH. That is why lots of Utsangpa voted PT for his straightforward attitude and honesty not someone (GD&KA) who pretended not to know and avoid critcisizing people like Urgen Topgyal because he belongs to their cholkha.
        • 37.
          Silden Gangri says:on 6 January 2021 at 6:29 pm

          Tashi, who is calling robjos to describe people from Kham? Who among them has used megaphone racial slurs to demonise a community? It’s the people who are devoted supporters of PT not the other way round!!!

          Are we electing a Sikyong to lead the Tibetan Movement or a protector of the Dalai Lama? If we are electing some one to protect the Dalai Lama, you showed your true ignorance. There is no one who can protect the Dalai Lama better than Palden Lhamo and Nechung.

          If you are talking about human beings, there is nobody who protected the Dalai Lama more than Dongchung Ngodup for the last three decades as the Chief Security Officer of the CTA. Why didn’t you elect him?

          It’s not regionalism to elect your people who are worthy to be a Sikyong. Priority is given for ones own people before considering others. This is a universal practice in all societies. In the west they will prioritise jobs for their own people before considering others (foreigners).

          There hasn’t been a Kalon Tripa let alone a Sikyong from the Utsang Choelka in exile for the 60 plus years because you don’t give value to your own people but instead clamour for others. This is a sign of leytong (brainless) on your part. The Kham people value their own people more than others but it’s not racism.

          The people of Bir Dege, Nangchen and Tashi Jong had long association with Gyari Dolma. She is married to the son of a chieftain of one these provinces in Tibet. You surely wouldn’t expect them to ignore their own kind and blindly jump on the bandwagon of a stranger. They are not fickle minded like you guys.
          The Dalai Lama need no protection. No matter whoever attempts to malign him, it will only hurt them not the Dalai Lama. The Chinese communists tried for 70 years and failed miserably.
          • 36.
            Tara says:on 7 January 2021 at 11:13 pm

            100% agree with you.
            I am half ustang & khampa.
          • 35.
            dongjung zindabad, from Honsur, says:on 6 January 2021 at 9:37 pm

            this is the problem u can see the few slurs used against khampas, but you can’t see the huge anti utsang and anti amdo slurs used by khampas. forget that you can’t even see the slurs used against his holiness by khampas. it is the khampas who started the cholka game. just look at the data from bir and other khampa dominated areas. it is totally one sided. if you don’t like to be discriminated stop discriminating others. you can fool some people some time, but u can’t fool all the people all the time…
          • 34.
            Hahahah, from Au, says:on 6 January 2021 at 9:12 pm

            No one is asking to protect His Holiness.
            Evrybody knows His Holiness doesn’t need protection.

            But disrespecting His Holiness is unacceptable and those who do that should be condemned.

            We need a leader who has courage to do that. That’s why people voted for PT. I know you didn’t like that, [too bad].
78. 33.
    Migs, from Dharamshala , says:on 6 January 2021 at 10:02 am

    for those who have not voted for PT: flowing with direction of wind may give you calmness if you intelligently vote for PT next time at final voting to give our lost nation a pride of truth and determination to work for the betterment of Tibetans in exile and in Tibet.
    Hatred with core of cholkha will get you nowhere.
79. 32.
    Lhakpa Tsering, from Mundgod, says:on 6 January 2021 at 9:41 am

    Lobsang Wangyal la, thank you for this report on election, as we Tibetans doesn’t have live tv counting report. Your report is eye opener for us so that we know who is ahead or trailing here.

    Gyari Dolma seems to be winning the final round, as Kyador and Lobsang Nyendak voter will vote Gyari Dolma. Dongchung Ngodup voters will be split their votes.
80. 31.
    Passang, from Bangalore, says:on 6 January 2021 at 9:31 am

    wow! The result looks good so far. #PTforSikyong2021
    • 30.
      Khabum, from Canada Vancouver Island BC, says:on 6 January 2021 at 9:57 am

      PT gonna win, seems like.
81. 29.
    MIGMAR TSERING, from Dharamshala , says:on 6 January 2021 at 9:21 am

    It’s eminent that not everyone will be contented with the results in democracy. The beauty of of democracy is that you learn to respect the majority, just as we had accepted the incompetent and divisive Sikyong for 10 long years.

    Time for change my friends.
82. 28.
    sonam Tenzin, from USA, says:on 6 January 2021 at 9:15 am

    Is this a joke Lobsang la. You have data from West, North and South India, but not from Dharamshala where you live. You are a pathological liar and your heart is as dark as your skin.
    • 27.
      Tashi, from Calgary , says:on 6 January 2021 at 10:35 pm

      You are a cheap racist. You trying to be one of those white supremacists. They gonna treat worse than you did. Living in America doesn’t make you a white. You are what you are, look into the mirror.
    • 26.
      Tashi, from Delhi , says:on 6 January 2021 at 10:03 am

      You’re a racist moron. Be thankful to Lobsang Wangyal for updating the result .
    • 25.
      Migtse, from Dharamshala , says:on 6 January 2021 at 9:27 am

      No doubt PT will emerge victorious from Dharamshala with 80-90 percentage. There is a sweetness in waiting for few hours.
    • 24.
      Migtse, from Dharamshala , says:on 6 January 2021 at 9:24 am

      Wait for few hours!!! You may shock to see 80 to 90 percentage in favor of PT.
83. 23.
    Tenzin, from Dharamshala, says:on 6 January 2021 at 8:57 am

    If everyone has thought of His Holiness genuinely while voting then result would have been better. You all should think to whom His Holiness might have voted after he too have his one vote to right. Obviously he will choose a person who can lead people with peace and unitedly and [not] divided us.
84. 22.
    Tsering Choedon, from Bylakuppe, says:on 6 January 2021 at 8:43 am

    This is just a one off incident. The incident is orchestrated to malign the Sikyong candidate who’s ruling the roots. You are entitled to your opinion but that doesn’t change the true narrative. Both sides were wrong in terms of voting protocol. You cannot make sweeping generalization because of one incident. Our community is already divided on the sectarian and regional issues. I, for one totally believe that we will have an honest and courageous Sikyong.
85. 21.
    Lhanzey says:on 6 January 2021 at 3:38 am

    By the look of the current results thus far, it’s going to be a tough fight. The top two will be in the final, as per the election statute. What if all others who voted for the bottom five vote for Gyari? Let’s hold our breath. Will the people be smart enough this time to have the first female Sikyong? Like the history we created in 2011? where the fine gentleman descended from Harvard to helm the exile polity. PT is equally good.
86. 20.
    d.d.lobsang, from Minnesota Usa, says:on 6 January 2021 at 1:22 am

    please keep updating and we will appreciate your work, thanks.
87. 19.
    lejotsang says:on 6 January 2021 at 1:15 am

    I will be so embarrassed, and wouldn’t be able to show my face to townspeople if I were Archarya Yeshi Phuntsok and Tashi Topgyal.

    These loones were getting like 1 or 5 votes, mostly single digits against PT’s 1000s.
    • 18.
      Alexa says:on 6 January 2021 at 10:46 am

      Wow what a thing to say. In fact, these two people should be proud of themselves that they stood for elections and contributed to the process and discussions.
88. 17.
    Namgyal, from Dharamshala , says:on 6 January 2021 at 1:13 am

    I really can’t accept this time our 2021 Sikyong election result… whatever election result might be come out…. it’s totally unfair….

    There is true evidence that someone has tried to cheat the vote and still there wasn’t has any special punishment, so what is this?? This is just one that we came to know or caught and imagine, still how many more people are there who did in same way that happen in Ladakh and Nepal….

    I have big big doubt about the result….

    How can we trust our own leader in future if the voting happens like this!!!!
    • 16.
      Doma, from Kathmandu, says:on 6 January 2021 at 6:53 pm

      I live in Nepal please, and there was no cheating. the whole cheating story is made up by someone who hate PT for his own choelkha jealousy. and Ladakh incident is also not confirmed. stop spreading lies. be kind if u really care about Tibet.
    • 15.
      Choesang says:on 6 January 2021 at 9:33 am

      Don’t spread fake news about this incident brotha. It was already sorted out and there wasn’t any cheating there. In fact it was a miscommunication between the people.
    • 14.
      Tenzing, from India , says:on 6 January 2021 at 9:15 am

      It is because your candidate is not winning
    • 13.
      bhoemi, from New York, says:on 6 January 2021 at 8:49 am

      Sounds like Trump is crying sour grapes.

      And this is not the final. So don’t give up.
89. 12.
    kalsang kangrang, from Swiss, says:on 6 January 2021 at 12:57 am

    ? thanks for updating….. your are the best!!
90. 11.
    Tsering Bhuti, from USA, says:on 6 January 2021 at 12:47 am

    His Holiness the Dalai Lama, please bless us a sikyong, who can take decision unbiased with righteous consciousness (not at a state of drunk) for your well-being, your family, your reputation and then finally (if time allows), for tibetans.
    • 10.
      tenzin dolma says:on 6 January 2021 at 12:17 pm

      gd also drink n smoke every night n days..
    • 9.
      Heaven, from Inbetween, says:on 6 January 2021 at 9:43 am

      When your desired is not winning than blaming HH and asking for his guidance. Look at the results, what is the root cause of regionalism? Look at Bir and other majority domination. These people care only for their region and not proper leader.

      May the best win.
      • 8.
        Alexa says:on 6 January 2021 at 10:41 am

        I am not for or against any candidate but I hope we never forget that in a democracy every individual decides whom he want to vote for. I honestly do not understand when you say the things that you say. Odissa and probably Dharmashala are also regionalists then?
        • 7.
          Lhakpa Dhondup, from New York, says:on 7 January 2021 at 11:26 pm

          Regionalism isn’t the main issue in our Tibetan-in Exile election. We need to enhance our media outreach and information. Our media has a huge responsibility in making sure our community people are well informed, of who the candidate is. Otherwise every person will prefer someone related to be at the crown.
          Our government sure is democratic but what’s more important, is to carry a democratic viewpoint within us, individually.
91. 6.
    Langchu Tsering says:on 6 January 2021 at 12:09 am

    Thank you for updating
92. 5.
    Tenzin Angi, from Hunsur, says:on 5 January 2021 at 11:58 pm

    Tibet Sun keep up the good work. Thank you for publishing election results. Please bless us with most deserving Candidate for Skyikong.
    • 4.
      tenzin, from Japan, says:on 7 January 2021 at 9:27 pm

      Take care of your Elephant problem first and then start talking….

      I heard people living in Hunsur are half cooked like early man compared to other Tibetan settlements. So try to grow your brain and get more education on the government system rather than living with wild animals and becoming wild!
93. 3.
    Dhundup tsering, from Paris France , says:on 5 January 2021 at 11:15 pm

    All mighty God please bless us with deserving candidate.
    And blessed us with best Sikyong.
94. 2.
    Rajesh, from Dimapur, says:on 4 January 2021 at 7:58 am

    #Free Tibet
    • 1.
      KD, from BERN , says:on 5 January 2021 at 6:11 pm

      Thanks very much.
      Bod Gyal lo

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