DHARAMSALA: The Tibetan Election Commission has announced the schedule for the upcoming elections to the Sikyong (Political Leader) and the 18th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile. The elections will be conducted in two phases — the preliminary round on February 1, 2026, and the final round on April 26, 2026.
Tibetans living in exile across the world will nominate their preferred candidates during the preliminary phase, and the top two candidates will advance to the final round for Sikyong, in accordance with Article 67(4) of the Election Rules and Regulations.
Addressing a press conference, Chief Election Commissioner Lobsang Yeshi, along with Additional Election Commissioners Nangsa Choedon and Tsering Youdon, also released the Model Code of Conduct and provided key details regarding the electoral process.
In accordance with Article 97(2-A) of the Charter of Tibetans-in-Exile and Article 5(3) of the Election Rules and Regulations, Mrs. Tsering Youdon, former Member of Parliament, and Mrs. Nangsa Choedon, former Secretary of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), have been appointed as the two Additional Election Commissioners. Their tenure will continue until the declaration of the final election results.
The Commission also unveiled the official slogan for the 2025–26 elections:
“I AM TIBET, I VOTE FOR TIBET”, symbolizing unity, responsibility, and the collective strength of the Tibetan people.
Voter registration will open on October 8, 2025, and close on November 8, 2025. As per Article 18(4) of the Election Rules and Regulations, all Tibetans who attain the age of 18 years on or before November 23, 2025, are eligible to register as voters.