Tibetans in exile vote in India for their political leader - The Hindu

Hundreds of Tibetans in exile braved the rain and cold Sunday in India’s northern city of Dharmsala, where the exiled government is based, and voted for their new political leader as the current officeholder’s five-year term nears its end.

The voters wore masks, maintained social distance and used hand sanitizer as they cast their ballots during the first round of the election. Many assisted elderly voters to fill the correct forms.

In this first phase of voting, two candidates for the top government post of president will be shortlisted, including 90 parliamentarians. The second and final round of voting will take place in April.

 
Formed in 1959, Tibet’s government-in-exile has executive, judiciary and legislative branches, with candidates for the office of sikyong, or president, elected since 2011 by popular vote.