Frequently Asked Questions to the Kalon Tripa 2011
The Proposal
- Why do you place so much importance on the search for the next Kalon Tripa?
- Wonderful question! The Kalon Tripa is the single most important leader in our Exile Government next to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. This individual will have the full confidence of the Tibetan people to direct our foreign and domestic policy for the next 5 crucial years (2011-2016).
The other reason I place so much emphasis on finding the best candidate for the 2011 is that this will prove a landmark election. The next Kalon Tripa will have to shoulder much of the political burden His Holiness has been labouring under these many years, and therefore must also elicit the full confidence of both the Tibetan people and His Holiness.
Whenever I get an opportunity to speak to large Tibetan gatherings, I always remind them that if we want His Holiness to live long, we all have to do our part to lighten the heavy load he has been carrying. Offering our prayers, without corresponding supportive actions, is not going to help remedy the situation.
Read more about why this is important
- Why did you think it was necessary to start this campaign so early?
- The reason is very simple. I believe in being pro-active. In our current system it is dificult for new candiates to enter in the Kalon Tripa's electoral process. By the time the official announcement is issued from our Election Commission, there is not enough time for any new candidate to introduce themselves to the constituents.
In order to get new participants who are also proven leaders with a clear vision and progressive policies, we must provide them sufficient time to enter the race and present their platforms to the constituents. Given all that's required, the two-year head start is not too early.
- Where did you come up with the idea of launching this Kalon Tripa initiative?
- The idea of extending a pre-election process for candidate selection came to me in response to what I had observed during the last Kalon Tripa election in 2006 – where clearly too little time was allotted to candidate selection. Anticipating more of the same, unless the process underwent some fine-tuning and change, I set out to put this initiative in place. As I have said many times, the upcoming election will mark a very significant transition and prove decisive for the Tibetan community. We need to be ready. I don't believe in leaving things till the last minute.
- Isn't there a Tibetan Election Commission whose job it is to work on this?
- Yes there is, but our current system does not allow early solicitation and searching of Kalon Tripa candidates.
I met with Mr. Tashi Phuntsok la who is the Head of the Election Commission twice before launching this initiative. He was very supportive of the idea and encouraged me to go ahead.
My hope is that in the future, initiatives like this will not be necessary.
- Why do you say initiatives like this may not be necessary next time around?
- I believe and hope that once we are able to attract candidates with a strong vision for the future of Tibet, political parties will organically spring up around them. Once in place, each party will naturally work to select their best candidate.
The Kalon Tripa Initiative for 2011 is compensating for this mechanism, that political parties would normally introduce into the selection and debate process. Generally, the competition that exists between political parties to present their platforms allows for a diversity of views and for the most articulate and gifted contender to lead.
The Process
- Can I nominate myself for Kalon Tripa?
- Yes, you can nominate yourself provided you get 25 Tibetan supporters who are valid Green Book holders.
- Can we nominate more than 1 person and endorse more than 1 nominee?
- You have only 1 vote with your Green Book. You can either nominate someone, or endorse someone else's nominee.
- Do you not need the Green Book authentication by the local Tibetan Welfare Officer?
- We removed this requirement to encourage endorsers without geographical restrictions.
- How can voters be assured of KT-2011 Team's neutrality: that it will not promote certain nominees over others for biases based on regional and sectarian leanings?
- I have assembled a group of very committed and credible young Tibetan volunteers to work on this project. All Nomination forms and Endorsement forms received will be opened in front of three KT-2011 Team members to ensure that there is no foul play.
- What can I do once the person of my choice has become a candidate?
- Once the person of your choice for the Kalon Tripa receives 25 endorsers and becomes a candidate, you can do the following:
- Organize information sessions to introduce your candidate.
- Urge Tibetan media outlets to interview your candidate.
- Create a website for your candidate.
- Ensure that the voters remember your candidate during the Kalon Tripa election time in 2011.
