|
|
Thank You: A Message from Dr Lobsang Sangay
VARANASI, India, 12 November 2010
With profound humility I accept the Tibetan people's nomination for Kalon Tripa candidate. It is very sobering to realize that more than 47,000 people in around 30 countries voted in both the Kalon Tripa and Chitue election. Your overwhelming support and trust humbles and inspires me, and I am determined to maintain your faith in me. I extend my deep appreciation to the other dedicated and deserving candidates. Through our debates and friendly competition, they have made me a better candidate, and our efforts together have brought renewed focus and energy to the election and the Tibetan political process.
I had the privilege of participating in seven rounds of public debates with Kasur Tenzin Namgyal Tethong la. I also participated in two rounds of debates with Honorable Speaker Penpa Tsering la and Deputy Speaker Dolma Gyari la, as well as former Solicitor General Phurbu Dorjee la. Kasur Tashi Wangdi la, Drungsur Lobsang Jinpa la and Drungji Sonam Topgyal la shared their views through websites and other forums. Tibetan voters were able to get a close look at the candidates and become actively involved in the election process. All this is unprecedented and historic. It means that His Holiness' vision of a fully functional Tibetan democracy, which China sees as a real threat and seeks to undermine, is now being realized.
I would like to sincerely thank my diligent and selfless supporters and request them to set a high standard by running a positive, modern and yet modest campaign so that our democracy and our common cause become strengthened. This way, whoever becomes the next Kalon Tripa, he or she will be in a stronger position not only to serve the people and the government in exile, but also to gain freedom and alleviate the suffering of Tibetans in occupied Tibet, and to return His Holiness to his rightful place in the Potala Palace.
Bhod Gyalo
Lobsang Sangay
Senior Fellow
Harvard Law School
|
|