Voter registration to begin from September 1: EC

By Choekyi Lhamo 

DHARAMSHALA, AUG 21: The Election Commission (EC) announced directives for the voter registration of the 2021 Tibetan general elections of Sikyong (Presidential) and members of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile (TPiE) on Friday. The EC office had previously announced that fresh voter’s registration will be conducted in compliance with the Tibetan charter with its new amendments. 

The registration shall begin on Sept. 1, 2020 and will conclude on Oct. 15, 2020. All registered voters must have paid their GB dues up to March 31 of this year.

The Chief Election Commissioner Wangdu Tsering Pesur urged the regional election commissions, registration offices and voters to follow the voter registration process as per the election rules and regulations. The Green Book (GB) payment of all those who’ve attained the age of 18, registration as per the constituency, and a stamp and signature from the registration officers are requirements of the full process. 

The EC urged the eligible voters in the Tibetan polity to register within the given time. Noting the ongoing difficulties generated by the pandemic, the EC appealed to Tibetans for their active participation in the electoral process to promote free, fair, and credible election. 

The announcement made by the EC on Aug 5 marked the official commencement of the 2021 Tibetan general elections where the race for Sikyong (Presidential) and the Chithue (Parliamentary) seats of the Central Tibetan Administration began. The then press statement also urged the public to exercise responsible use of digital platforms and prevent the spread of misinformation in the upcoming election process. All the relevant information can be found on the official website aimed to promote electoral literacy and provide accessible information in the Tibetan community.