Boxer Statement on Dr. Lobsang Sangay's Inauguration as Tibetan Prime Minister

Democratically-Elected Sangay Takes Over For Dalai Lama as Head of Tibet’s Government-in-Exile

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) today released a statement congratulating Dr. Lobsang Sangay on becoming the democratically elected prime minister, or Kalon Tripa, of Tibet’s government-in-exile.

The Dalai Lama, who had been both the Tibetan spiritual and political leader, devolved his political authority, paving the way for elections earlier this year. In March, nearly 50,000 Tibetans around the world cast their votes and Dr. Sangay was declared the winner in April.

In her statement, Senator Boxer said, “As the new Kalon Tripa, Dr. Sangay will take over the political leadership of a Tibetan community that is preserving an ancient culture while embracing democracy. I look forward to working with him in his new role.

“Dr. Sangay’s inauguration marks an important step for all Tibetan people, including those living in Tibet where their basic rights and freedoms have for too long been curtailed.”

The full text of Senator Boxer’s statement appears below:

I would like to extend my congratulations to Dr. Lobsang Sangay on the historic occasion of his inauguration as the democratically elected prime minister, or Kalon Tripa, of Tibet’s government-in-exile.

In March 2011, nearly 50,000 Tibetans around the world cast their votes in a groundbreaking election for the next Kalon Tripa. This election took place in the wake of the Dalai Lama’s announcement that he would be devolving his authority as Tibet’s political leader to the democratically elected office of the Kalon Tripa, completing the democratization process of the Tibetan exile government that the Dalai Lama had worked toward for decades. In April 2011, Dr. Lobsang Sangay was declared the winner of this election—garnering 55 percent of the votes and defeating two other candidates.

Dr. Sangay’s achievement is the culmination of many years of tireless work on behalf of the Tibetan people, including bringing together Chinese and Tibetan scholars in an effort to foster dialogue and greater understanding.

I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Sangay when he testified at a Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee hearing I chaired in April 2008 on Tibet, and I was struck by his passion and commitment to bringing peace and stability to the Tibetan people.

As the new Kalon Tripa, Dr. Sangay will take over the political leadership of a Tibetan community that is preserving an ancient culture while embracing democracy. I look forward to working with him in his new role.

Dr. Sangay’s inauguration marks an important step for all Tibetan people, including those living in Tibet where their basic rights and freedoms have for too long been curtailed.

I send my warmest congratulations to Dr. Sangay on his inauguration as the next Kalon Tripa and join with Tibetans living around the world to celebrate this monumental occasion.