The Tibetan Election Commission recently made a significant announcement, unveiling the full election schedule for both the 18th Parliament-in-Exile and the esteemed position of Sikyong, the head of their cabinet.
This crucial electoral process will unfold in two distinct stages: a preliminary round slated for February 1, 2026, followed by the decisive final round on April 26.
Tibetan communities scattered across the globe will participate in the preliminary phase, nominating their favored candidates. According to Article 67(4) of the Tibetan Election Rules and Regulations, the two candidates who garner the most support will then proceed to the final round for the Sikyong position.
During a press conference in Dharamshala, Chief Election Commissioner Lobsang Yeshi, alongside Additional Election Commissioners Nangsa Choedon and Tsering Youdon, confirmed that voter registration will commence on October 8, 2025, and conclude on November 8, 2025.
Eligibility extends to all Tibetans who will have reached the age of 18 by November 23 of the current year.
To ensure a fair and transparent process, the Election Commission has also released its Model Code of Conduct, outlining essential guidelines for the upcoming elections.
A powerful new slogan, ‘I am Tibet, I vote for Tibet,’ was also introduced for the 2025-26 elections. This slogan, the Commission emphasized, embodies the unity, shared responsibility, and collective strength of the Tibetan people.
The Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile is structured to comprise 45 members. This includes ten representatives from each of Tibet’s three provinces (with a minimum of two women from each), and two representatives from each of the five distinct religious traditions: Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya, Gelug, and Bon.
Additionally, there will be two members each representing Tibetan communities in North America, South America, Europe, and Africa. A single member will represent Tibetan communities in Asia (excluding India, Nepal, and Bhutan) and Australasia.
To facilitate the seamless execution of the elections, the Commission will conduct comprehensive training sessions for regional election commissioners on November 16, 2025.
Further, the Chief and Additional Election Commissioners are scheduled to embark on a global tour, visiting Tibetan settlements to personally acquaint voters with the essential electoral guidelines and procedures.
Reflecting on the successful execution of the 2020-21 Sikyong and parliamentary elections, which took place despite the significant hurdles of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Election Commission confidently stated its commitment to once again delivering a free, fair, inclusive, and peaceful election.