By Kesang Lhamo & Lobsang Tenzing, Madison, Wisconsin, U.S.A. 


Better late than never, I would like to wish everyone a very happy and successful LOSAR!

With the clock ticking by each minute, the final voting for Kalon Tripa and Parliament Members will be taking place in just three days. Unlike the turmoils taking place in other parts of the world where citizens are fighting for democracy, His Holiness has handed us the democratic form of government and it is our duty to make it a success. I would like to urge every responsible Tibetan to exercise his/her rights to vote for the best candidates who can and willl successfully carry on the legacy of His Holiness in leading the Tibetan nation into the unknown future. So, on March 20, 2011, please do visit your polling site and VOTE!

As we have the final days bearing upon us, each one of us needs to put aside regional, sect and personal differences and think deeply outside the box as to who would be the best candidate... who would fill the shoes of His Holiness now that He would like to retire permanently as the political head? Our votes should not be influenced with the malicious lies and rumors that have been spreading as well as the likes and dislikes. Instead, we need to vote as rational and responsible citizens who knows what is best for the Tibetan nation at this critical time. We need to select a leader who has shown us he has the capability to lead, to move the nation ahead with the changing times through vision and innovation and loyalty and dedicate his life to the Tibetan cause. Please remember we are not voting for ourselves, but for the entire Tibetan nation. The decision we make on March 20, 2011 will shape our future history. We do not want a decision that will leave a dark spot in the Tibetan history and regret it for the rest of our lives.

I have pondered seriously as to whom I would elect. Tenzin Namgyal Tethong la has proven his capability and continues to be the best candidate of the three. His genuine love and dedication to serve the Tibetan people selflessly is open for all to see through his rich contribution for 30+ years and continued work as a private citizen. Reflecting all that he has done, could we name anyone else (including the candidates)who would put his/her personal life on hold from a very early age just to serve the Tibetan people in need? He has achieved so much for us and has opened the passage to change by giving opportunities to the common Tibetans through the 1000 US immigration, Fulbright scholarships, Voice of America projects and so on. He does not claim to have achieved all this by himself but rather through the help and support of friends and co-workers. One needs to realize that we need the right person for TGIE at the right time and place to achieve all these developments.

Tenzin Tethong la was the key figure who did not sit back but rather pursued the projects relentlessly and that's why he was selected for those offices at the prime of his youth. He is willing to put his private life on hold again and serve TGIE at this crucial period. His reward.... just the satisfaction to serve a nation and people so near and dear to his heart. He has so much more to offer than the other two candidates through his experience, his ability to get things done and his vision to strengthen our government. We do not want the next five years to be an experimental process or remain a stagnant period but rather a period of growth in which we move ahead in this competitive world. I wish all the members of the Tibetan community could see the strength and wisdom under Tethong la's outer surface and realize he is the right choice for Kalon Tripa.

Rather than being branded as Tethong sidekick or of kudrak descent, I wish to make clear that I come from a poor, humble background who just understands the gravity of the current situation and the vital need to make the right, educated choice for Kalon Tripa. So, for the sake of of Tibet's future, please make the right choice and VOTE TENZIN NAMGYAL TETHONG as KALON TRIPA on March 20, 2011.