Dharamshala; The first stage of the NDPT's 2011 campaign for its Prime Minister (Kalon Tripa) and Parliamentary candidates was today concluded with "success and to our satisfaction," the party posted on its official blog.
The party wrapped up the first leg of its election campaign, stating "Overall the first stage of the campaign concluded with success and to our satisfaction."
In light of the dismal 2006 voter turnout of 26.8%, the main focus of NDPT's campaign has been on raising awareness of the upcoming 2011 Tibetan elections. NDPT President Chime Youngdung in his speeches during the campaign emphasised the need for people to "step up and take responsibility for their government".
The crux of the campaign was the introduction of the two most prominent candidates for the Prime Minister's seat, Dr. Lobsang Sangay and Mr. Tenzin Namgyal Tethong.
Another key issue discussed over the tour of seven Tibetan settlements over North India in the first stage, was the possibility of adopting a bicameral system of legislation, i.e. having two distinct legislative or parliamentary chambers, as exists in India, the US and many other democratic countries.
The NDPT also laid out two conditions to be fulfilled by prospective Members of Parliament in return for party support:
"(i) If a candidate is elected, they must support any bill which strengthens democratic processes in Parliament.
(ii) If a candidate is elected, she or he must attend official NDPT meeting when their time allows for it."
The 2010-2011 NDPT election campaign will include visits to Tibetan settlements in other parts of India, Nepal and Bhutan.
