The Tibetan parliament in exile opposes Dalai Lama’s resignation
Dharamsala (AsiaNews) - The Tibetan Parliament in exile is uncertain whether to accept the resignation of the Dalai Lama from the post of Tibetan political leader. Yesterday, in a heated discussion in Dharamsala (India), seat of Tibetan government in exile, 11 of the 14 parliamentary members who intervened (about 43 members) opposed a constitutional amendment necessary to allow the waiver.
Member of Parliament Ugen Topqyal said that "the Tibetan people do not agree with the decision of His Holiness. I will resign if there is any proposal for change "
Three speakers suggested a referendum among the 200,000-strong exiled community, while others recommended a middle path wherein the Dalai Lama remained political leader but the assembly assumed more responsibilities.
A compromise solution is the most likely outcome. On March 14 the Dalai Lama told parliament that the movement of Tibetans in exile is not yet mature enough to choose the leader directly.
Last week, the 75 year old Tibetan leader announced plans to abandon the role of political leader of the Tibetan government and intends to propose an amendment so that Tibetans are led by an elected prime minister. The amendment should be voted on this week, ahead of general elections.
The Dalai Lama, the political and spiritual leader of Tibetans is chosen on the basis of a complex ritual. In 1995 the Dalai Lama pointed to the new Panchen Lama in Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, a 6 year old boy. However, Beijing kidnapped the Panchen Lama (of which there has been no news since 1995) and chose its own Panchen Lama, Gyaincain Norbu, according to a different interpretation of the ritual. The Panchen Lama, Tibet's number 2, also has the task of choosing a new Dalai Lama. Beijing has repeatedly said that the Chinese government will make this appointment. For this reason, the current Dalai Lama has suggested that the next spiritual leader could be chosen not by the ancient rituals, but by ballot.
In addition to solving the problem of his succession, the Dalai Lama wants to deny Beijing the opportunity to attack him as political leader, also affirming his hope to return to his land, from which he has been exiled since 1959.
But the problem is that the Tibetan movement is divided between people who want greater autonomy from China and those who want full independence.
Tibetan Prime Minister Samdhong Rinpoche said yesterday that the parliament is facing this proposal for change "with a heavy heart."
Previously, the Dalai Lama had asked to be allowed step down from political responsibilities, but parliament had always rejected his request in the past.
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