Election Commission Announces Elected Members of the 18th Tibetan Parliament in Exile

On May 13, 2026, the Election Commission of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) revealed the elected members of the 18th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile following the conclusion of the Tibetan general elections held earlier this year. The announcement took place during a press conference at the Lhakpa Tsering Hall in Dharamshala. The election process, which included two rounds of voting, was successful, and the results mark a significant step in the democratic process for the Tibetan exile community.

Election Overview

The 18th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile will consist of 45 elected members, with 17 newcomers who did not serve in the 17th Parliament. The election was held in two phases: the preliminary round on February 1, 2026, and the final round on April 26, 2026. The elections took place in 27 countries with the help of 1,737 election officers at 309 polling stations.

Voter Turnout and Participation

Voter turnout in the preliminary round was 56.25%, with 51,140 voters casting their ballots. In the final round, the turnout decreased slightly to 45.71%, with 41,638 voters participating. Out of the total registered electorate of 91,073, this turnout signifies strong engagement in the electoral process, even though the participation rate decreased in the final round.

A total of 570 ballots were rejected as invalid during the counting process, but this did not impact the overall outcome of the election.

Key Figures and Winners

At the press conference, Chief Election Commissioner Lobsang Yeshi highlighted the successful efforts of the Election Commission and discussed several initiatives that helped ensure a smooth election process. The Commissioner was accompanied by Additional Election Commissioners Nangsa Choedon and Tsering Youdon. They addressed various concerns and initiatives, such as outreach efforts to encourage participation from Tibetans in the Dhanglob and the establishment of polling stations for Tibetan sweater sellers.

List of Key Elected Members (18th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile)

The election results saw a mix of new and returning candidates. Below is a comparison of the candidates who participated and the elected members:

Electoral Process and Outreach

The Chief Election Commissioner, Lobsang Yeshi, detailed several efforts that ensured the inclusivity of the electoral process. One notable initiative was the establishment of 31 additional polling stations aimed at facilitating participation from Tibetan sweater sellers during the winter retail season. These efforts were part of a broader initiative to reach Tibetans who might otherwise have had difficulty casting their votes.

Additionally, polling for Tibetan residents in Russia was made possible through the assistance of a Tibetan sMenpa (doctor), while polling for residents in South Korea was also organized, marking an unprecedented step in the election process. Unfortunately, due to logistical limitations, efforts to establish polling stations in Hawaii were unsuccessful.

In total, 100 meetings were conducted between Regional Election Officers and Observers at 55 locations across seven countries. Awareness and orientation sessions were held for India-based Local Tibetan Election Commissioners and Election Officers to ensure they were well-prepared for the elections.

Appreciation and Acknowledgments

At the end of the press conference, the Election Commission expressed gratitude to the various individuals and organizations that contributed to the success of the election. The Chief Election Commissioner, alongside the Additional Election Commissioners, thanked the regional and central election officers, staff members, and the Kashag (Cabinet) for their support. They also acknowledged the Tibetan public for their participation, which made the election process a success.

The successful completion of the 2025–2026 Tibetan general election and the announcement of the 18th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile is a momentous occasion for the Tibetan exile community. The newly elected members will now have the responsibility to represent the interests of Tibetans in exile, promote Tibetan culture and identity, and work towards the goal of securing Tibet’s future. The commitment to democratic processes and the strong participation in the elections reflect the vibrant and resilient nature of the Tibetan community, even in the face of ongoing challenges.

The efforts of the Election Commission and the dedication of the volunteers and election officers ensure that the democratic spirit of the Tibetan people remains alive and well. With 17 new members joining the parliament, the 18th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile is poised to bring fresh ideas and perspectives to the table while continuing the work of the previous parliament to further the cause of Tibet and the Tibetan people.

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Rinchen Tashi

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