Dharamshala: - In a congratulatory message to his successor, Kalon Tripa Professor Samdhong Rinpoche and members of the Kashag have expressed their optimism for having the newly elected next Kalon Tripa, Dr. Lobsang Sangay, lead the Central Tibetan Administration during an historic time of transition.
"As the present change in leadership coincides with a significant transition in the exile polity, we place great hope and feel at ease to have a young, educated, honest and determined new Kalon Tripa," Kalon Tripa Professor Samdong Rinpoche said.
Pointing to the fact that Dr. Lobsang Sangay won the election with 55% of the total votes cast he also said "I and my fellow members of the Kashag would like to extend our congratulations to Dr Lobsang Sangay for winning the election with an overwhelming majority" and added that they, "wish him success in all future endeavours and at the same time extend our felicitations."
After winning the elction Dr. Lobsang Sangay said that, "I view my election as an affirmation of the far-sighted policies of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and another important step towards the realization of his vision of a truly democratic Tibetan society. I believe the success of the recent Kalon Tripa and Chitue elections and the active participation of the Tibetans in the elections is a significant moral victory."
"I want to express my sincere appreciation and extend my deepest support to the people in Tibet who continue to show tremendous courage even in the most difficult of situations. Our hearts and minds are steadfastly with them" he also said and added, "I urge every Tibetan and friends of Tibet to join me in our common cause to alleviate the suffering of Tibetans in occupied Tibet and to return His Holiness to his rightful place in the Potala Palace."
As the current Kalon Tripa Professor Samdhong Rinpoche's five-year tenure ends on August 14 2011, Dr. Lobsang Sangay's official inauguration ceremony is expected to take place just after that date.
In 2001 the Tibetan parliament, on the advice of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, amended the Charter of the Tibetans in Exile to provide for direct election of the Kalon Tripa (Chairman of the Cabinet) by the exile populace. The Kalon Tripa, in turn, nominates the other Kalons (cabinet members), and seeks the parliament's approval for their appointment.
