Dharamshala — The eighth session of the 17th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile concluded yesterday with an official solidarity motion on the urgent situation in Tibet, and passed the bills on the appointment of the Chief Justice Commissioner and the two other Justice Commissioners to the Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission and the election of Commissioner to the Tibetan Election Commission.
The final day of the eighth session of the 17th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile (TPiE) Chaired by Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel and it began with official bills and resolutions including one expressing gratitude to the United States for the adoption of the Resolve Tibet Act, a motion of gratitude for former Senator Janet Rice of Australia, recognizing her unwavering support for Tibet, both are unanimously approved by the Parliamentarians.
The session then proceeded to the election of the Commissioner of the Tibetan Election Commission and a member of the Public Service Commission. Former Parliamentarian Lobsang Yeshi was elected as the Commissioner of the Tibetan Election Commission, receiving 29 votes against Lhalung Gyal, who garnered 12 votes. TCV Director Tsultrim Dorjee was elected as a member of the Public Service Commission with 24 votes, defeating Thupten Yarphel (Ven.), who received 18 votes.
The proposed amendments to Articles 63 (II B) and (IV) of the Charter of Tibetans in Exile were passed with a strong majority. However, the proposed amendment to Article 37 (I) was repealed after failing to secure the required two-thirds majority. Additionally, the amendment to the Rules and Regulations regarding salaries, honorarium, and other allowances for CTA dignitaries was passed unanimously.
Similarly, the amendments concerning the salaries, perquisites, pensions, and other entitlements of the Chief Justice Commissioner and the two other Justice Commissioners of the Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission were also approved unanimously. Members of Parliament then debated a motion on official solidarity with the urgent situation in Tibet. During the debate, parliamentarians expressed their deep concern about the critical situation in Tibet and their solidarity with the Tibetan people inside Tibet.
Then Sikyong presented the Kashag’s Clarification. A official bill and resolution to the statement of Kashag on the debate over the Kashag (Cabinet) clarification on the important matters of administration and politics was presented and the official resolution was unanimously passed in the house.
A motion was also tabled in the House to set up an ad hoc committee to review the proposed amendments on the "Rules and Regulations for Parliamentary Procedures and Conduct of Business of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile" and the parliamentary committee will review the ‘Rules and Regulations for Parliamentary Procedures and Conduct of Business’ regarding the removal of dignitaries of the Central Tibetan Administration.
The Speaker in his conclusion speech thanked the Sikyong, the Deputy Speaker, the Kalons, and parliamentarians for their participation and cooperation. He further informed the house of the obituary references, solidarity resolution, legislature amendments, motion of gratitude, reports of departments of CTA, Kashag’s clarification, election of the Commissioner of the Election Commission and a member of the Public Service Commission, and pertinent matters taken in this session, as well upcoming parliamentary programs and projects. The eighth session of the 17th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile concluded at 6:30 pm, on September 19, 2024, in the TPiE hall, Gankyi, Dharamshala, HP, India.
