The two Sikyong 2016 candidates, Lobsang Sangay (right) and Penpa Tsering, pose for a photo after a debate organised by National Democratic Party of Tibet in McLeod Ganj, India, on 8 March 2016. Tibet Sun/Lobsang Wangyal
Tibet Sun Newsroom
MCLEOD GANJ, India, 9 March 2016
Dicki Chhoyang said that she will vote for Penpa Tsering for the post of Sikyong (Prime Minister) in the upcoming Tibetan general elections, in an interview with the US-government-funded radio station Radio Free Asia on Tuesday.
Chhoyang resigned from incumbent Sikyong Lobsang Sangay’s Kashag (Cabinet) at the end of February, after serving for four and half years as Kalon (Minister) of the Department of Information and International Relations of the Central Tibetan Administration.
Incumbent Sikyong Lobsang Sangay and Speaker Penpa Tsering are the two candidates competing for the post of Sikyong in elections on 20 March.
She said that the main reason for her resignation was so that she would be able to voice her concerns about the upcoming Tibetan elections, as she would not have been able to publicly express her personal opinions while serving as Kalon.
“It’s very clear to me. On 20 March, I will be voting for Penpa Tsering. The reason is that for four and half years I have worked with the two Sikyong candidates in the same environment,” Chhoyang said.
“From that experience, I have seen their way of working and thinking. On the basis of that, I find Penpa Tsering is more eligible. Others have to decide who they will vote for.”
Chhoyang said she based her decision to vote for Penpa Tsering on the nine points she mentioned in her statement.
She also said she felt the debates are not up to the mark. “I find that the debates are on trivial issues.”
“There are people who are voting on the basis of regional affiliation. That’s sad. We should be teaching our children that we are Tibetans first. Playing on regional sentiments will not make our democracy meaningful.”
On the accusation that she is endorsing Penpa Tsering because they both come from Amdo, and therefore she’s playing on regional politics, Chhoyang denied the charge.
“Tibetans who were born or brought up in the West doesn’t follow these lines, and would not favour someone on the basis of regional identity.”
Chhoyang lamented that there are people who are voting on the basis of looks. “That’s pathetic.”
She felt that there should be more debate about improving the situation of Tibetans in Tibet and resolving the Tibetan issue.
My vote is for the incumbent Sikyong for the following reasons:
1) I am from U-Tsang, but two candidates for the Sikyong are non-U-Tsang, it gives me freedom from accusation of playing dirty sectarian politics for personal and sectarian gains. The same can not be claimed by people holding high office trying to influence the outcome by playing Tibetan people as mentally-challenged fools to be taken advantage of, for sectarian and personal gains. Penpa Tsering La boasting support of the U-Tsang Association’s support thereby, is encouraging dirty sectarian politics.
2) There is a serious allegation against Penpa Tsering La that instead of helping Kathak Rinpoche in running a restaurant, he took undue advantage by having affairs with the lama’s unfaithful wife. In the process the diabetic and depressed lama passed away, and Penpa Tsering la benefited from death of Kathak lama.
3) The Kalachakra controversy would not be possible without Penpa Tsering la’s candidature.
4) But for Penpa Tsering La, it could have been a more educational and meaningful election campaign about (Lukar Jam) Rangzen vs UmayLam.
5) Tibetans in Tibet are giving up their lives, but Tsoktso la would not give up alcohol to preside as a political leader of HH the Dalai Lama.
6) Known experience and performance of the current Sikyong to continue.
7) I want to send a clear signal to any potential and highly-educated future leaders of Tibetans that the vested sectarian dirty politics can be overcome.
The Truth Alone Triumphs!
I have seen Lobsang Wangyal la, the manager of tibetsun.com, campaigning for Penpa Tsering la. The same shows in the way he manages this news outlet. Dekyi Chhoyang supporting Sikyong candidate Penpa Tsering receives prominent and permanent display in his website but Gyari Dolma, a very important minister in Kashag, expressing her support for the incumbent Sikyong receives no mention at all. Your choice of candidate is your democratic right, but a news outlet should be a source of unbiased information to the public. […]
[[ Dear Tsering Dorjee, please know that your last (deleted) words do not apply to LW, but to me — LW does not manage the comments section, i do. 🙂 Thank you — Web Admin ]]
I am so disappointed with ex Kalon Dicki la’s recent moves. To my view, her ‘wise’ decision is to support a candidate with authoritarian, almost fascist, Leanings. Someone who does not practice the Middle Way path towards his own people. Someone who thinks his job is to crush voices that differ from the strict prescribed WAY. Someone who has a hard time trying to unite our diverse community, the Youth Congress, the SFT, even the Dhogyal practitioners.
It’s hard to believe a ‘Western” raised and educated person is blind to these glaring facts.
To Dickyi Chhoyang la:
I am concerned, what made you realize suddenly, just when your term is about to be over, that the incumbent Sikyong with whom you shared stages around the world, doesn’t possess the quality you look for in a Sikyong?
I would have looked up to you if you had resigned days before the electoral process has begun, or even before the preliminary election. I would consider that to be the moral stand.
To me, your action at such a late stage looks like politicking at its lowest ebb, or even opportunism and regionalism at its worst. You have been a part of the present kashag for its full term and I think you should be ready to receive its accolades or criticism.
[[ Apologies for the late approval of this comment. It was caught in the spam queue; i don’t really know why. — Web Admin ]]
Political candidates are complementary
one excellent for politics inside and one excellent for Foreign Policy
Tibet and Tibetans need unity
the 2 are excellent
Tibetans must remain united
for save all Tibetans in Tibet and back one day
I believe that Dekyi chhoyang la made a serious error in her judgment and assessment of Tibetans in India. Well, with the blessing and teaching from HH, exile Tibetans in India are highly educated. They know the culture very well of people living in the West, who have a more self-centered attitude which is un-Tibetan. Tibetans are humble, yet straightforward to point out others mistakes, and resolve differences through dialogue. With so many educated folks to lead us, we simply are out of characteristics required for our leadership so we added good looks as nice to have. Presentation is crucial for every relationship-building process.
No matter what people say today, the regional and sectarian politics are unacceptable to Tibetan youths born and brought up in exile. Democracy is the only system where people have full rights to express their views without any fear of being persecuted. The present debate and exchange of views before the Sikyong election is an indication of the high degree of freedom and maturity that we have attained. The Chinese leaders and people are closely watching this election, and I am sure they are secretly wishing China to open up and hold such democratic election one day.
The upcoming Sikyong debate should focus on core issues like corruption, transparency, policy review, economy, and employment of youths.
We should judge each candidate on the basis of their past performance and service to people and nation. Appearances are often deceptive and therefore, watch out!
Dicki Chhoyang la has resigned at the most opportune moment since more and more of Lobsang Sangay’s dishonesty and incompetencies are exposed by the public during this election season. So many invisible sides of Lobsang Sangay have been overwhelmingly revealed and exposed to the public, so people have gotten the chance to make an objective comparison, and wisely choose the best one thinks!
Kasur Dicki Chhoyang’s resignation has sent a loud and clear message to the public that she has been unsatisfied with the current administration headed by Lobsang Sangay. Something is definitely not right. I believe that there must be an unquestionable moral truth behind her resignation; otherwise, she would not have made such pivotal decision! She had served as the Minister of the Foreign Ministry for more than four years, and should be the one who has possessed an extensive knowledge with the functionality of the current administration, as well as Lobsang Sangay’s visions, strategies, strong points and weak points, his failures, etc. Therefore, she has been disappointed, and feels helpless at the same time, with the current policies designed and enforced by the head of Tibetan Administration- Lobsang Sangay.
Also, it is a lucid statement of what kind of leadership we need in the future. This is also her conclusion for the time, energy and the dedication she has sacrificed in the past four years. And this message has also served as a crucial advice for the Tibetans when choosing next Sikyong. The explicit indications in her statement have loudly pointed out the qualities that the incumbent Sikyong has lacked. Therefore, it is critical for the Tibetans to rightly elect their next leader!
I am from Utsang but two candidates for the Sikyong are non Utsang, it gives me freedom from accusation of playing dirty sectarian politics for personal gain. The same can not be claimed by people holding high office trying to influence the outcome by playing Tibetan people as fools for personal and sectarian gain.
My question to you Dicky is that you are still eligible to vote, even being a part of same cabinet which you have taken oath, so why did you have to resign at the last minute? Why not after 1 or 2 years? I am not understanding your answer, to me it seems to mislead the general public. [The way you handled this matter does not give me confidence in your motives.]
Nobody in the younger generation believes in regional favour, and are not necessarily western-born. Here we live a luxury lifestyle, unlike in the western world working as nanny or in restaurant or super market, just earning couple grand $$ which believe me is under poverty level [in the West].
Time reveals the true heart of a man. Dicki Chhoyang has her right to say anything at anytime. Everyone can talk freely in Tibetan society.
I agree with the view expressed from Toronto because the Utsang Association playing Utsang people, me included, as mentally challenged fools to fulfill their selfish sectarian political ends to support Dicki Chhoyang La’s candidate, Penpa Tsering La.
At least in my opinion, intentionally or unintentionally the opposition to the incumbent Sikyong by the Utsang Association plus Amdo individual of high office creates a perception that the Utsang and Amdo are ganging up against Khampa.
The Truth Alone Triumphs!
To all, I disagree with Sonam Tso and here is what i think…..
Democracy is the best system in the world, no doubt most developed countries are practicing and promoting. But it has its limitations, even with United States of America, i suggest you read the court case of Forest City Ratner V/s Goldstein (construction of Barclays Center/Brooklyn Nets) forcing Goldstein to sell his condo; so Madam where is democratic rights? Look at India, Intolerance in the name of religion, victimizing less fortunate population; so where is democracy?
Tibetan exile govt. is far different in mainly two reason: 1. Practising democracy in a land that has its own law and order (India). 2. Goal is to get back our country, or at least create a healthy/ stress free environment in Tibet for Tibetans. So when you talk democracy, talk democracy with Tibetan style.
We can only practise limited democracy as long as we are in India. Press and public figures (ex kalon/ rinpochoe) should be cautious in creating imbalance in society and should always think about good for the people before exercising rights. […]
Let me talk about Kalachakra. [We shouldn’t be] dragging our only and most respected HH Dalai Lama into politics. [If anyone has problems with] Lobsang Sangay’s government […], then find other faults, not Kalachakra. [More important to] talk bigger issues of Tibet/China talks, or the well-being of Tibetans in and outside Tibet.
This Sikyong election is getting worse, and it would be even worse in future, certainly after the demise of HH Dalai Lama. This is a wake-up call, and we should be creating rules and regulations for future Sikyong election such as that no regional can support any candidate, or request ex-Kalon or Rinpoche not to support candidate. We need influence through vision or principle and not through people. […]
[[ Sorry, this was way over 150 words, and i had to condense it. comment guidelines — Web Admin ]]
This Sikyong election is a disappointment! I don’t respect either of the candidates. And now it seems to me that Chhoyang la was happy to work under them without saying anything, and all of a sudden she turns into a whistle blower now, of all time.
Not that I am participating in the finals. For me Sikyong 2016 election ended the day Lukar Jam was excluded from the race.
I really do not understand why ex-Kalon Dicki Chaoyang did this at the last. Why not from the start? Its really not a good example to new Tibetan generations. She made to hate Tibetan politics. She made me not to participate in the coming Sikyong election. Why was she laughing at the question, when reporter asked, whom she is going to elect? This is not fair as a voter.
I disagree with views expressed from Toronto regarding Dicky la and it is very wrong banning ex-Kalons from supporting anybody for the post of Sikyong. I am sad such undemocratic views are coming from people living in a very developed country like Canada, where there is great deal of freedom of speech for its citizens.
I belong to eastern Tibet and there is no question of voting for Sangay, unless he clears our doubts and gives satisfactory explanation over his mysterious connection with Chinese living in the United States. We would appreciate if he could tell us whether or not he had visited China and under what circumstances or conditions.
[That’s ok.]
Which eastern Tibet is that? Amdo eastern Tibet?
[[ Apologies, Dawa la. You may wish to look over the Tibet Sun comment guidelines. Thank you! — Web Admin ]]
I also support her opinion. The Tibetan people need a leader who respects traditional culture and enforces mother tongue education. They need a Sikyong who fights for Tibet’s future heart and soul. But not such a politician who just cares about the votes.
In my view, ex-Kalon Dicki Chhoyang is playing politics by creating instability amongst the Tibetan people by announcing the name of her preferred candidate (Penpa Tsering). It is no different than when the Ngari association in Daramshala (not all Ngari agrees), headed by Dawa Tsering, openly supported Penpa Tsering. It is bad politics. Maybe some people believe that ex-Kalon Dicki Chhoyang is trying to draw the Amdo vote, because Penpa Tsering is Amdo. Regional politics, madam.
I believe that people with high status should not openly support any candidate coz Tibetan democracy is different from rest of the world. Suppose Samdhong Rinpoche supports Lobsang Sangay, then what is the point of going for election at all, because the majority of Tibetan people will vote with Samdhong Rinpochoe. Tibetan election is different from rest of the world, because we do not have a party system. So the Election Commission should ban ex-Kalons from supporting any candidate in future.
Are you suggesting democracy with Tibetan characteristics ?
Under Chinese rule, the Tibetan traditional culture has been greatly affected.
The development of the Tibetan culture lies in the Tibetan government in exile. Instead of development, the Tibetan traditional culture during Lobsang Sangay’s administration has been going backwards. People who care about Tibet’s development know the truth well.
As ex-Kalon, Dick Chhoyang not only has the right to sound the future for Tibet, but also has an obligation to consider the future for Tibet. It is unwise for her to support Penpa Tsering publicly in your opinion, but I believe what she had done just for devotion. That’s what people with high status should do.
Or to secure another post in Penpa Tsering’s cabinet should he win. I think she is quite capable of that. Why did she wait this long if she really disagreed with Lobsang Sangay? Not that I have any respect for the guy. But to my view, she making noise at this juncture points to only thing- her own employment; and not Tibet’s cause.
Four-year period is relatively sufficient to have known a person! As a saying goes: He who would search for pearls must dive below. Now Dicki Chhoyang la has fully tested it and come to the conclusion which, of course, ostensibly seems a sudden blow to Lobsang Sangay’s friends, relatives and fellow villagers, who are so angry with her and blatantly attack her by using the most lowly and billingsgate languages.
Nonetheless, logically speaking, people with common sense would know that when people make such a pivotal decision, they must have pondered deeply over the matter. I appreciate her determination not to swim with the tide and band together with the morally corrupted ones. On the contrary, she has bravely stood up to bear the overall situation in mind and put the general interest above all! She is indeed extraordinary and refined.