Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, Feb. 25: The incumbent President Penpa Tsering, in a video message released Tuesday on the Central Tibetan Administration’s official YouTube channel, TibetTV, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Tibetan public after securing a decisive mandate in the preliminary round of the presidential election. In his address, he reaffirmed his administration’s steadfast commitment to fostering unity, pursuing strategic and accountable governance, and strengthening international advocacy efforts in support of the Tibetan cause.
The incumbent President noted that he secured over 61 percent of the votes in the preliminary round, attributing the outcome to the trust and confidence placed in him by the Tibetan public. He added that he had not issued any particular reaction through media platforms following the announcement. “There is nothing extraordinary to celebrate, nor any reason for undue disappointment,” he said.
He stressed that unity must be demonstrated through concrete action rather than mere rhetoric. Reflecting on his earlier campaign principles, he highlighted three core commitments: equality and fairness for all Tibetans irrespective of regional or sectarian differences; practical and beneficial governance; and the adoption of short-term, medium-term, and long-term strategic planning in all initiatives.
He further reiterated that one of the CTA’s foremost responsibilities is to seek a just resolution of the Tibetan issue. Reaffirming commitment to the Middle Way Approach, he said the administration has worked to refine its strategies to secure broader acceptance, while strengthening internal cohesion within the Tibetan community and expanding avenues for engagement at the international level.
Drawing parallels with the 2021 general elections, the incumbent President said he had consciously refrained from engaging in confrontational campaigning in order to prevent social discord or adverse repercussions within the community. Likewise, during the current election cycle, he refrained from mounting an active campaign, maintaining that voters should evaluate leadership on the basis of past performance rather than campaign promises.
He asserted with confidence that at no point during the electoral process did he contribute to divisions within Tibetan society. Stressing the need to sustain and strengthen the Tibetan democratic system in a manner aligned with the community’s unique circumstances, he urged collective responsibility in upholding and protecting democratic values.
Highlighting key international developments, he termed as historic the passage of U.S. legislation in 2025 concerning the resolution of the Tibet-China conflict which was approved by both chambers of Congress and subsequently signed into law by the U.S. President. He also pointed out that during the finalization of the 2026 U.S. federal budget, accompanying explanatory notes to the appropriations bill contained language representing a modest yet significant step toward acknowledging the CTA as the Tibetan government-in-exile.
Addressing concerns about the global suspension of U.S. foreign assistance, he clarified that Tibetans were not singled out by the measure. Despite the broader aid freeze, he said sustained advocacy efforts, supported by bipartisan members of Congress and officials from the State Department and other relevant agencies, have resulted in the securing of more than half of the previously approved funding allocations.
He noted that the restructuring of U.S. foreign assistance frameworks, including significant staff reductions at USAID and an estimated 20 percent cut in State Department personnel, has slowed administrative procedures related to program oversight and the release of funds. According to him, these institutional adjustments remain ongoing, contributing to delays in implementation.
Despite these constraints, more than 23 million US dollars have been earmarked in the upcoming fiscal year to benefit Tibetans both inside Tibet and in exile. The incumbent President stated that such support cannot be taken for granted, emphasizing that continued assistance depends on sustained advocacy and consistent annual engagement.
In closing, he stressed that meaningful progress rests on collective strength and a shared sense of responsibility. Reflecting on the past five years, he said the administration has worked with diligence, commitment, and strategic vision. Looking ahead, he urged Tibetans to stand united, consolidate their efforts, and prioritize forward momentum in all endeavors undertaken for the broader cause of Tibet.
