Tibetan Election Commission Sets 2026 Sikyong and Parliament-in-Exile Elections for Feb. 1 and Apr. 26

Overview

• The two-phase process will begin with a global preliminary vote on February 1 to shortlist the Sikyong field to two candidates, followed by the final round on April 26.
• Voter registration runs from October 8 to November 8, 2025, with eligibility for Tibetans turning 18 by November 23 and contingent on Green Book dues cleared through March 31, 2026.
• A 14-point Model Code of Conduct bars use of the Dalai Lama’s image, the Tibetan flag, or the CTA emblem in campaigning and warns against divisive rhetoric, bribery, and misuse of social media.
• The 18th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile will have 45 members, including seats for the three traditional provinces, five religious traditions, and diaspora communities across the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia (excluding India, Nepal, Bhutan), and Australasia.
• Operational preparations include training regional election commissioners on November 16 and commissioner visits to settlements to brief voters on procedures.