Doring Tenzin Phuntsok
BRISBANE, Australia, 8 February 2020
There is no denying in exile Tibetan politics, that the race for 2021 Sikyong had already begun as soon as the 2016 election was over. The conspicuous absence of Gyari Dolma in the second term of Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay’s cabinet confirmed it. However, it never went more explicit and public than a recent event involving the former speaker and minister, Gyari Dolma herself.
The quiet and clandestine electoral preparation that has been underway over the years since the last election was unwrapped during an event where Gyari Dolma was chief guest and the host youth introduced her as Sikyong candidate (even before an exile-based election commission had set the date for the election). The faux pas had to be cleared by the chief guest herself at the gathering and thereafter. Thanks to Gyari Dolma’s interview with VOA, where she candidly stated that no one would become Sikyong candidate until the primary vote results are announced and its subsequent procedure from EC are conducted. Since smoke has already emerged before fire, let me spark a fire to arouse some heat.
We shall forage into some of the Tibetan exile leaders who are likely to have harboured the intention of becoming Sikyong, or at least making a foray into Sikyong elections, and their prospects of getting crowned at the helm of affairs. As we introduce each Sikyong possibility, we shall examine their pros and cons in the eyes of the public.
Gyari Dolma
The political heavyweight, and perhaps the most powerful Tibetan woman in exile, Gyari Dolma’s aspiration to become Sikyong has never been more explicit than her reluctance to be minister under Dr Lobsang Sangay’s second term, notwithstanding her prospects of retaining a ministerial position.
Merit: High record of leadership and popularity amongst Tibetan settlements in India and abroad, her oratory skills, and performance as home minister in the exile Tibetan Parliament earned immense respect. Her resume of service is long, as she was former TWA and TYC leader, former MP and a minister. Her association with Gyari clan is another advantage. Her elder who passed away in 2019 was a popular figure in exile politics. He served as Speaker of Parliament before becoming minister and later was representative of HH in US. His most important position had been that of special envoy of HHDL which remained vacant or unoccupied since 2011. Another brother of her had also been an MP though he couldn’t retain the seat in the last election. However, her family is an influential in both religious and political echelons of exile community which are set to bolster her prospect.
Downside: Her purported statement of support for Dr Lobsang Sangay for a second term while being a minister in the cabinet on the eve of election caused some stir in exile and earned criticism.
Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok
His aspiration to be a Sikyong hasn’t been known publicly. However, going by the grapevines around Gangchen Kyishong, the seat of the Tibetan exile administration, his intention can’t be ruled out. The current vice-chairman of ATPD is learned to have confided to his close associates his intention to stand for Sikyong. Though he doesn’t possess any administrative experience, his more than two-decade-long Parliamentary experience, camaraderie with Indian politicians, and vote banks from certain sections are encouraging.
Advantage: His close relationship with his voters, service as NDPT president, and decade-long Parliament experience are set to work on his side.
Demerit: He is not so popular outside India as Dr Lobsang Sangay enjoyed in 2011. However, given the large number of voters in his favour, he is a force to be reckoned with and might even become a king-maker.
Lobsang Nyandak
Probably the most talked-about candidate for Sikyong candidate, the former minister is believed to have harboured strong intentions of becoming a formidable candidate for Sikyong. Believe it or not, he is even discovered to have a website on his candidacy (even before the EC had appointed assistances to the office). The former young activist was also an erstwhile MP who later became a minister in the Samdhong Rinpoche cabinet. He was also appointed NA Representative following his defeat in the Parliament for minister portfolio. His job resumé list is perhaps the longest of all future possible candidates. His recent appearance at Samdhong Rinpoche’s birthday sent waves along the grapevine amongst the exile community, leading many to the speculation that he could be a possible face of Sikyong candidacy given the fact that US-based Tibetans are known for sending most of the candidates since 2011. He currently is president of Tibet Fund based in the United States.
Merit: His long resumé of service to both NGOs and the CTA under various leaderships, and camaraderie with almost every leadership in exile will play sport. A man who can speak Tibetan to Tibetans and English to English.
Downside: He failed to get elected in his second term as minister. Gossips were galore but couldn’t be mentioned or proven legally as there had not been any public statement to substantiate. His age will also spoil him a bit and his personal commitment might force him to remain in the US.
Tenzin Dhardon Sharling
The erstwhile MP who won the largest votes ever in the MP election from Utsang constituency is currently undertaking a PhD in Communication in the US. She was the youngest MP of 2011, whose prospect of becoming the youngest minister was marred by her age disqualification. Had it not been the age issue, her resumé would gloss another qualification of being a minister. However, many still assume she is a potential possible candidate who harbours aspirations of becoming a Sikyong one day. Her conspicuous absence in public gatherings, in contrast to the ubiquitous presence at recent events by Gyari Dolma, seems to have paved a comfortable way for the latter.
Merit: Despite controversy in recent times, she will remain a strong contender given her prior social service and exile leadership. Her good rapport with her peers and oratory skills are formidable advantages if she chooses to run.
Demerit: Her controversial nomination to and approval from Parliament despite her age disqualification hit her prestige heavily in 2016, and subsequently led to her defeat in the Parliament for a second attempt at a ministerial position. Things went further south when her name appeared in the 10-point clarification of PT’s removal from the representative post. The issue, which engulfed the exile community, finally was settled legally at the Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission.
Dongchung Ngodup
Believe it or not, the New Delhi Representative of HHDL and former security minister is likely to be a stronger contender. Support is being build up slowly to ensure he gets elected in the primary for the final run-off. The current New Delhi Representative served twice as minister both under Samdhong Rinpoche and Dr Lobsang Sangay. He may not have political experience as MP, but he is long-time bureaucrat who has a thorough understanding of the inner workings of CTA.
Merit: A non-controversial figure loaded with administrative experience are advantages on his side. He also may get traditional and conservative votes from people who continue to have strong faith in him.
Demerit: He is not Dr Lobsang Sangay who can gerrymander and manoeuvre along the tide of ocean. He lacks youthful energy and his connection to the graduated youth is weak. His age will also spoil his prospects. Remember Dr Sangay was just 43 when he stood for election along with his peers except Tenzin Tethong.
Penpa Tsering
The only rival candidate to Dr Lobsang Sangay’s second term for Sikyong, Penpa Tsering’s candidacy for 2021 was a foregone matter as soon as he lost to the former. His subsequent appointment as HHDL representative for NA further cemented this hope, as NA constitutes almost 30% of the votes for Sikyong. The former Speaker ran for 2011 as well in the primaries along with Gyari Dolma, Tethong, and Lobsang Sangay. There is a saying that whether PT will become Sikyong or not, he will always be a Speaker of ATPD.
Merit: His oratory skills and political experience would serve purpose from chunks of people who sympathise with his abrupt termination from his job as HHDL Representative. Twice speaker and long-time parliamentarian, his uncompromising stand on the Middle-Way policy might secure strong votes from Middle-Way policy aspirants. His victorious emergence in the high-profile Case No 20 might play sport.
Demerit: The controversy surrounding his removal from HH representative office in NA remains his biggest challenge. Even though he won the case legally, his electoral victory prospects are remote.
Kaldor Aukatsang
The chief resilient officer, a close confidante of Sikyong Lobsang Sangay, is an unlikely candidate to pen here. However, walls have heard a conversation where it is believed that Sikyong would offer more implicit support to him than Gyari Dolma personally. He is duped a minister camouflaged in bureaucracy. His term as Dalai Lama Representative was also cut short by Sikyong himself to pave the way for Penpa Tsering. Sikyong even went too far to evince his proximity to the former representative, stating his close and personal friendship enabled him to change the position without completion of the term service. There is mystery that Kaldor speaks less but does more, the silent engine.
Merit: He has extensive experience at both a personal and public level in serving CTA. No major controversy except for the $1.5M issue that dragged him down in the mud despite the money being spent for public purpose. His proximity to Sikyong and others might be an advantage.
Downside: His vote banks are weak given the fact that Gyari Dolma is a strong force to reckon with. His prospect of winning votes from India, Nepal, and Bhutan are remote.
Conclusion
There are others apart from the formidable ones mentioned above that are doing the rounds, a few of whom are: US-based Ugyen Tenzin, former minister and current NA representative Ngodup Tsering, Buchung K Tsering, Dr Tenzin Dorjee, as well as current finance minister Karma Yeshi. However, their prospects are remote and may not make it to the top five list in the primaries. If I missed naming any probable one might want to add oneself in their mind.
Between 2001 and 2016, exile Tibetans elected two leaders at the top following the Dalai Lama’s semi and complete retirement from the political affairs of Tibetans in exile. Both the leaders enjoyed comfortable wins in the second. Both are erudite in their fields of scholarly specialisation. Whether Tibetans will elect another erudite personality as a leader, or a new and completely different face be saddled at the helm, will be seen in one and half years from today.
About the author
Doring Tenzin Phuntsok, alias DTP, is an MIR and MIL student at the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
I don’t know about Sikyong 2021, looks like a tough competition among the names you listed, but one thing I know is DORING PHUNTSOK should contest Parliamentary election from Australia. Youth like you should take the responsibility. We had enough of Harvard educated corrupt minded leaders.
Thanks for your consideration. I am interested. However, current MP Kyizom la sounds performing well of her duties as MP hence, would want to support her.
Give those who wish to become sikyong a chance and let them share what they will do if elected. If one likes their vision and plans, vote. If not, vote for the one you agree with. why drag anyone down to pull oneself up? Say no to tu tu mein mein in this election!
When Samdhong Rinpochey was elected, there was no Tibetan TV news and social media. So only the Tibetans who truly cares about Tibet everyday and are up to date with current Tibet and CTA news participated in the election. That’s why we have elected the best candidate for the Sikyong’s post. In the last two elections, because of social media and TV news, lots of people who even do not know how many departments are there in CTA and who has the slightest idea about the qualities of a leader, participated in the election. What we have learned from the last two elections is that instead of encouraging them to vote, teach them about the qualities of a good leader. For our situation right now quality is more important than quantity.
Each aspirants have their own merits and demerits. Past contributions and accomplishments count the most. It will be difficult to judge a person by his character.
Since all the listed names are worthy of sikyong mantleship, it might be best if we have a rotating sikyongship for two years or one year among all these aspirants for the coming decade. This will not only satisfy their ambition to become sikyong but also restore unity in the community. Election campaign will be less negative and devoid of attacks on personal character and more focused on collective efforts towards Tibetan issue, Tibetan cause and the Tibetan community. Just my two cents.
As for me, except for Dongchung Ngodup la, all the mentioned list has problems with their work records or character. Dongchung Ngodup la has squeaky clean record for decades now. Another thing, some people say nice things in public but in actuality have natural instinct for tribal politics and created unnecessary controversy and problems within the exile as well as inside Tibet. Latest is LS and beyond that is Juchen Thupten. We don’t need these kind of people and wish a person with pan Tibetan outlook and genuinely work for the Tibetan people and the Tibetan nation. That is the most important yardstick to me for a Sikyong candidate.
@Khama warrior, “Squeaky clean record”?
Only “squeaky“ think about him is his voice? He has this perception of nice gentleman because all his operations were done behind the backs of people.
Like the true origin of coronavirus that is causing havoc is now being known as the lab of Chinese scientists researching bio-chemical warfare materials located some 280 meters away from seafood markets from where it alleged to have spread, your candidate is that scientist who fathered the virus called LS by using him against two Chushi Gandruk. I am just giving you a taste of it.
Why unnecessarily talk about him now, when he has not decided yet? There will be lots of time to talk about your candidate. We can all talk about it openly now as we don’t need to fear his gang of thugs. He is the manufacturers and manager of so many unnecessary controversy in our society.
Oh boy, this is quite a grave allegations which I have never heard of till now; it would prove to be a bonanza if you prove your unsubstantiated hearsay. It would also help the Tibetans to wean off trouble makers from the Sikyong candidacy; after all we all must strive to elect the most suitable candidate who can uplift the Tibetan people and the nation which is in dire strait for all these years.
As far as I know Dongchung Ngodup has a unmatched record of public service for more than 40 years; sacrificing even his life to work inside Tibet in the 1980s; his dedication to work is authenticated by all the co-workers at the Department of Security, a video of which you can watch in YouTube and he is only one of few who was honored by Domey Cholkha in Switzerland for his service to the Tibetan nation and people. Is there a aspiring or the names tossed around in this column, who has more credentials than Dongchung Ngodup to become the next Sikyong?
Or this a ploy to discourage Dongchung Ngodup to declare his candidacy for Sikyong in the first place, just as Donald Trump did to Joe Biden recently and the ugly consequence the world saw clearly?
As I said, we will talk when he joins the campaign. You will get to know the real Dhonchung Ngodup then. The game is yet to begin.
2021 will be the year for Gyari Dolma, the queen has to come back to undo all the vices of the incumbent corrupt King and restore the sanity of Tibetan democracy. But the queen need a good team and good people like Dhongchung Ngodup, Penpa Tsering and Lobsang Nyendak will be a good choice. Dhardon Sharling is still a young princess and can wait till 2031 but in the meanwhile we need a team of wise and good leadership to salvage our exile democracy from the ravages of the war staged and led by the incumbent king.
Hail to the Queen GD!
I see it like this – Penpa Tsering will be a clear winner and then he will bring the other five on board in his cabinet:
Acharya for Religion and Culture
Gyari Dolma for Home
Dhongchung Ngodup for Security
Kaydor for Finance
Lobsang Nyendak for Education & Health
Dhardon Sharling for Information and International Relations
HAAAAA, wishful thinking Tsering Paldon la. If Dhadon Sharling chose to contest she will sweep the election like the last Chithue election. So the cabinet will be:
Penpa Tsering for Religion and Culture
Gyari Dolma for Home
Dhongchung Ngodup for Security
Kaydor for Finance
Lobsang Nyandak for Education and Information & International Relations
Acharya for Health
Hi DTP,
Your article sounds more like a exit poll. I am not sure if the listing of the names are significant but in any case I think Penpa Tsering should top the list. He is a clear winner for 2021.
As for Dhardon Sharling, she was very much my candidate and likewise of many other young Tibetans up until the double debacle you mentioned as her demerits. But it would be prudent on your part as the researcher/writer to make a closer analysis and not fear from mentioning the string of controversies, which is partly because of her undoing but it is very clear that it is Sikyong Lobsang Sangye’s doing. He alone is responsible for destroying her political career. Now he will have to bite the dust as he himself removed the biggest hurdle from Penpa Tsering’s road to victory.
The most important thing to remember in the coming election is not to have the mentality of “us” and “they” as if we are waging a war among ourselves in exile. We must find a person who can in some way contribute in furthering the freedom struggle and alleviate the suffering in occupied TIbet. Our whole existence is to free our country from foreign occupation and to that end we are exercising the rights to choose a leader who can lead us. There is no point in slinging mud against each other. We should find the best person to work for our cause. Some people have the bad habit of slandering people who they dislike. That’s very unfortunate. Sharling Dhadon is a victim of two jealous men who were both courting her to burnish their credentials because of her popularity among the Tibetan public. She was made into a Kalon but whether it’s the hand of the enemy or the jealous “suitor” who cried foul later, we will never know but she was cut down to size and banished for good. She never pushed herself on those men who were engaged in a fight to the death. To this day, they are at loggerheads heads with each other. It’s customary to always blame the women, whether it’s in political sphere or marital dispute. So, blaming Sharling Dhadon for her alleged “opportunism” is nothing but another male chauvinistic behaviour that should be condemned by all and sundry.. Time is everything in politics. Perhaps, there is residual public sympathy for Sharling Dhadon for being treated so shabbily and cut her stellar political career in such an untimely manner.This is for her to explore. Besides, youthfulness is what makes things exciting. If we look around the world, there is demand for youthful leaders. The days of old is gold is long gone. Tibet needs young leaders with new ideas!!!!
I too find it hard to believe Sharling Dhardon had to bear the brunt of the two warring leaders. I still have misgivings about her Kalon nomination. I speculate that Sikyong knowingly nominated Shardon Dhardon for Kalon despite not achieving legal age qualification. Its hard for me to proof here unless Sharling Dhardon tells us so or Sikyong honestly apologize for his conduct of her nomination.
It was fiasco, I find still hard to put into oblivion.
I can’t help but laugh at the discussion of possibility of people like Dhardon Sharling, Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok and Namgyal Dolker Lhagyari becoming potential candidates!! Big NO for above three.
All others can be in the fray.
I am very much rooting for Gyari Dolma and I see the path is clear for her except for a certain speed bumper called Dhardon Sharling. But Dhardon Sharling swears by women’s empowerment and let’s see if she can be true to her words and pave way for the senior female contender. If she does then she will easily win the 2026 elections, and by then she will have the much needed credential – a PhD degree.
Your views are very sharp and convincing. Your points of statements can be debated though, you have thrown creative idea as to why Gyari Dolma should win over other candidates, specially in women empowerment context.
I think both of them will vie on women empowerment platform. If both contest, it will be neck to neck, neither will win. Lets await what unfolds.
Both of them are proven leaders and the woman empowerment card will work to their advantage. I agree, between two of them it will be a tough competition. I for one will be left with a difficult choice to make. But I genuinely feel Dhardon Sharling should withdraw from the race and instead support Gayri Dolma for many reasons. Firstly, Gyari Dolma is much senior and older. She is .. I guess at least 18-20 years older and has over 15 more years of service. So instead of seeing two women fight it out and repeat the ugliness of 2016 election, I as a woman wish to see Dhardon Sharling paving the way for Gyari Dolma, and likewise see the same reciprocity after 10 years when a retiring female Sikyong will welcome a younger female Sikyong.
In my opinion, it is best not to bring in any card into this election race, be it women card, region card, or that of religious affiliation. With that, we are devaluing any merit or leadership qualities that any of these two ladies may have to aspire for sikyong post. It will also become similar to the women reservation seat we have for our parliamentary election. Everyone should run the race based on one’s ability, contribution and future vision.
On another note, “proven leader” is quite unbecoming for Dhardon Sharling who still has miles to go before taking on such heavy responsibilities.
Gyari Dolma has the greatest chance this time. She has the largest of set voter who would support her; sweater sellers for whom she comes to rescue whenever it is required, do-toe pas, a section of supporter of LS whom she supported for the second term, people in and around Delhi, etc.
Sharling shot on her own leg by being an opportunist and time and again proving to be one of a selfish and an egoistic individual. Will not disrespect my voting right by voting for her.
Penpa Tsering even being the most suited may not get the required votes.
Lobsang Nyendak may not want to leave the plump position in Tibet Fund. He still represents the elite lot of the community and is absolutely disconnected from the masses in India, Bhutan and Nepal. He isn’t as connected as Gyari Dolma or PT.
Dhonchung Ngodup, is too good to be the Sikyong candidate and will never stoop as low as LS in his campaign etc. Others are not as honest, good natured as him, he will not deliver good lot of punches in debates etc as others. His character is unblemished and too good to be a politician.
And can never imagine Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok as Sikyong and will never vote for him as well.
As you mentioned, so far GD sounds the strongest contender. However, I loath her for the proxy announcement of candidacy. Had it not been her clarification during the VOA interview, I would have gone for complaining. Its great that she saved herself from the faux pas.
Sources close to me have confirmation of Lobsang Nyandak’s willingness to stand for Sikyong with certainty. I even found a website bolstering his foray into primary election. A press announcement will also be coming soon.
Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok will also be jumping making entry into the foray. I don’t see PT winning election even if he would appear in the primary election.
This time -Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok
Lhagyari Namgyal Dolkar or Dardhon Sharling next elections.
My candidate is Lhagyari Namgyal Dolkar. she has the vision, heart, intelligence and charisma.
While I respect your choice, you might want to research if she qualifies to be Sikyong candidate given her young age. If I am not wrong, she was born around 1986, (I don’t know the exact date though.)
Someone must be at least 35 or above to be Sikyong. Read the Article provisions in the Tibetan Charter in order to avoid missing your candidate on the ballot paper.
We might get new aspirants as we wade into the election process. However, from the current crop of aspirants listed here by DTP,
the three Kasurs seem the most promising with their substantial contribution to the Tibetan community in the past and their seeming ability to unify our polarized community.
– Dhongchung Ngodup
– Lobsang Nyandak
– Gyari Dolma
It will be interesting to see new faces too. Hope we will have a civilized election campaign this time without resorting to unnecessary personal attacks but focusing on the real issues at hand. Best wishes to all the Sikyong aspirants!
The most qualified 1. Penpa Tsering 2. Dongchung Ngodup. 3. Gyari Dolma. 4. Lobsang Nyendak. Rest of the candidates please don’t try at all even though you are better than current Sikyong. We have to pray and do our best to never ever elect anyone like current Sikyong. If we do, our democracy will become like a circus again.
As far as I recall, this is second article on election of Sikyong by this writer. If you read between the lines both the articles, he is just fascinated by Dolma Gyari. His arguments are just infantile and naive.
Yes, you are right. This is my second artile on Sikyong. However, I didn’t write this article to place Gyari Dolma at the forefront of the election. The article was ignited and sparked by the event that led to Gyari Dolma being introduced as Sikyong candidate for which I have objected and even praised her for clearing that during VOA interview.
No person will become official Sikyong candidate without EC declaring so following primary election result declaration. However, I introduced others too. The sequence of candidate prospect might have signalled you that I was fascinated by Gyari Dolma. However, you may not need to bear this misconception.
I am open to all views and would be more than glad if you can counter with your position to fill the gaps of my infantile and naive article.
Thanks
All candidates have their merits. However, we also have personal preferences. Gyari Dolma is a worthy candidate because she has a pan-Tibet outlook, the experience and maturity which is extremely important. All candidates must remember that if they seek to become the Sikyong, they represent the entire Tibetan population. Acharya Yeshe Phuntsok is another one who has done well in his quite way. He seems a humble and well mannered monk who has been attending many important gatherings especially between the Indian and Tibetan groups. He seems fluent in Hindi and that could be the reason. I believe he is one who could bring a sense of calmness and unity among the Tibetans. Being a monk, he is well placed to take the mantle of the religious aspect which is enmeshed in our politics. The other promising candidate is Sharling Dhadon with her youthful zest and independent and free thinking spirit. She could bring a much needed boost for the sagging morale of our struggle by motivating the youth of her generation to commit themselves more to the cause of TIbet. She has experience and the necessary drive to make a dent on the TIbet issue with her international exposure. Then there is Lhagyari Namgyal Dolkar, another versatile young lady with strong roots in Tibetan royal ancestory to boot. She is a very highly motivated fighter for the rights of the Tibetan people and a believer in holding the Tibetan nation sacrosanct. No one can predict who is able to make to the top but they have to weigh their chances and throw the hat in the ring. We saw how unpredictable elections can be with the totally unexpected victory of Trump and Pete Buttigieg in Iowa recently with Democratic National candidate. We have to be wary of the CCP’s attempt to sow discord among ourselves at all times.
Excellent comment. To a great extend I find myself on the same page with you, though have reservations with regard to bringing Namgyal Dolker la into fray. Dhardon Sharling la’s presence in the fray is more than enough to disappear Namgyal la, though she can be another Dhardon Sharling who might come out with strong electoral win in the parliament election. However, its hard to make predictions given the vulnerability of Tibetan electoral mood as well as the multiplicity of aspiring candidates at this juncture.
Good job DTP la. It is a good start but I don’t see anybody who is fresh and exciting.
That’s true, we won’t see any fresh and new faces. I think good number of people are tired of the last two to three years of internal imbroglio at the highest level beginning from 2016 to 2019.
India has more than 500 million uneducated population but they don’t have to worry about any idiot becoming prime minister. We have less than 100 thousand total population still we have to worry about an idiot becoming a Sikyong. Until we have multy part system like other countries, there is huge chance that an idiot will become Sikyong because majority of our population are like empty vessel that makes loud sound. I have no problem if Kelsang Gyaltsen or Gyari Dolma become Sikyong because they will be far better than LS.
Your views are highly respected, but I must rebut. We won’t be having a party based political elections given the fact that its an exile based organisation which can be de-registered at any time.
The present electoral system is the most suitable one with no political parties. We must be having party based democracy in a free Tibet. India doesn’t have to worry about who will become PM because they just have to worry about electing MPs. That’s it.They don’t have the business of electing PM as they either elect PM or President directly. They simply elect MPs from their constituencies and matter ends there.