NDPT 3rd General Body Meeting

NDPT PRESS RELEASE
3rd General Body Meeting
27 March 2010

On Saturday, 27 March, the National Democratic Party of Tibet began its 3rd General Body Meeting. NDPT President Mr. Chime Youngdung gave an opening address to set the agenda for the day's meeting, and to welcome the guests, including current and former NDPT executive members, as well as representatives from Regional Chapters of the NDPT. The NDPT President noted that this meeting, which is held every two years, was particularly important this year given the 2011 elections for Kalon Tripa and Parliament. Chime Youngdung explained that the NDPT will be selecting candidates to endorse for these elections. The party will nominate 3 candidates for Kalon Tripa and 45 candidates for Parliament (15 from each Tibetan province) through what Mr. Chime Youngdung emphasized will be a transparent and fair democratic process. The NDPT President explained that to have a meaningful democracy, the Tibetan government has to switch to a multiparty system. With a party in power and at least one in the opposition, democracy will begin to flourish, he said. Mr. Chime Youngdung told the assembled NDPT members that the party must grow in order to become stronger and more efficient. In addition to more members, the President said the party needs more people to manage and administrate in order for the NDPT to function as a true and modern political party. The President warned against a misuse of democracy, and noted that a genuine democracy will require the participation of all Tibetans in elections and democratic processes. He emphasized the importance of the 2011 elections and urged the party to begin preparing and campaigning immediately.. The NDPT President concluded his remarks by wishing for a long life for His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and by hoping that all of His Holiness's wishes for the Tibetan people come true.
Following Chime Youngdung's speech, honored guest Tsewang Rinzin, President of the Tibetan Youth Congress, gave a warm greeting to all of the meeting's attendees. He noted that he did not prepare a speech in advance, instead preferring to just speak to the people. Tsewang Rinzin then thanked the guests who travelled so far to attend this important meeting. He also urged active participation during the debate in order to have a wide diversity of opinions heard. The TYC President emphasized the importance of the NDPT General Body Meeting, given that candidates will be nominated for the 2011 elections.
Afterwards, honored guest Penpa Tsering, Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament, welcomed all NDPT members who came from Tibetan settlements throughout India and Nepal. He noted that the NDPT was founded 16 years ago and is like a child of the TYC. The NDPT now has its own offices and is completely independent, which he said was a positive development. Mr. Penpa Tsering commented that in the past, only one person was responsible for all of the NDPT's activities, and party members did not take active roles in supporting the organization. He said that this is unfortunately continuing during Mr. Chime Youngdung's tenure, and urged party members to become more active. The Speaker of Parliament went on to note that the upcoming 2011 elections for Kalon Tripa and Parliament are an important milestone for Tibetan history and democracy. As such, he hopes that the public will take its role as voters seriously. He said that the public should vote for the most qualified person, instead of voting for friends or neighbors. Penpa Tsering also mentioned that the NDPT has campaigned for candidates in past elections, but these campaigns were often not effective because, in his opinion, candidates lacked the proper qualifications. He noted that some Tibetans abroad have such a low opinion of the CTA, and are so skeptical of the upcoming elections, that they make their disappointment and anger felt online with scathing indictments of the Tibetan exile community and government. The Parliament Speaker concluded that these people are no better than the uneducated because although they have the abilities to help the government improve, they instead make trouble.
These introductory remarks were followed by a tea break that allowed the guests from various regions an opportunity to greet each other and network. Afterwards, the NDPT gave a power point presentation and several more people gave remarks. The meeting will continue Sunday, 28 March, after which the NDPT will release a list of candidates it will endorse for elections.




Report by the National Democratic Party of Tibet
Central Executive Committee
Dharamsala, H.P.

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