[Tamra]

Institutional Dilemmas and Long-Standing Problems: A Case Study and Reflection on the Tibetan Exile Electoral System
gemherald.com/archives/12046

In recent years, controversies surrounding the electoral system of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) have ceased to be isolated incidents, but rather reveal long-standing, recurring institutional problems. A review of several publicly reported events shows that these issues have profoundly impacted the execution of the election commission, the handling of Sikyong (Prime Minister) candidates’ eligibility, and the fairness of parliamentary oversight.

1. Sikyong Candidate Eligibility Controversy: The TashiTopgyal Incident in the 2025–2026 Elections

On December 23, 2025, the election commission announced the disqualification of Sikyong candidate TashiTopgyal from voting for five years. According to the commission, he repeatedly violated the Charter of the Tibetans in Exile and election rules during his campaign, including publicly questioning campaign guidelines prohibiting the use of Tibetan flags and images of the Dalai Lama, and criticizing the commission. The commission considered these actions to violate several charter requirements, including the prohibition against publishing misleading information.

This incident is significant not only because he was among the few high-ranking candidates disqualified, but also because the handling of the case sparked considerable controversy within the Tibetan community. Supporters argued that the rules were interpreted and enforced too harshly, and the committee’s lack of public explanation of its reasons led to a rapid spread of doubts about its fairness (with petitions even demanding clarification of the committee’s decision).

This reflects a long-standing problem: when the focus of scrutiny is on high-ranking candidates, the committee’s insufficient explanation and transparency undermine voters’ long-term confidence in the consistency of the rules.