Tibetans-in-exile cast vote in preliminary elections held in Dharamshala

Dharamshala, June 19(ANI): The people from Tibetan community in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, on Sunday looked forward to development, growth and peace while casting ballots in the preliminary round of elections for two vacant seats of Member of Parliament of U-Tsang province.

The poll in the area began with huge queues outside the polling stations with men and women turning out in large numbers to cast their ballots.

Expressing joy after casting his ballot, one of the voters said the election was conducted in a peaceful environment and they were extremely glad to cast their vote.

"Today what happen is, because during the election of 15th Tibetan Parliament in-exile because in U-Tsang sect, they could not procure the required percentage, so that's why two candidates has to be elected right from the beginning, so the preliminary elections are going on today, so they are taking great interest for this particular preliminary election," said Tsering Migmiar, a local.

During the second Tibetan National General Meeting, it was noticed that two seats of legislators from U-Tsang province were lying vacant after when the candidates, who participated, failed to secure the minimum 33 percent votes as required by the Tibetan Charter.

Talking to mediapersons, Dorje Dolma, an election officer, said that the polls commenced smoothly and voters cast their ballots with great interest.

"I think its going nice, because in the morning first I came here then I went to the library, we have another spot and then I also went to the lower TCV (Tibetan Children's Village) and also Norbulingka everything is going well and people are taking good part," said Dolma said.

She also added that there are three provinces and each has ten candidates, but last time there were eight candidates and that is the reason why re-electing of two members has been conducted.

The candidates who would secure minimum 33 percent votes will be further entitled to enter in the final round, which would be held on September 11.

An estimated 80,000 Tibetans, along with their spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, had arrived in India in 1959 after an unsuccessful uprising against Chinese rule.

China has ruled Tibet since Communist troops marched in 1950. (ANI)