Dharamsala: Chaired by the Speaker, Ven. Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, the second day of the 6th session began with the continuation of the debate on the 2017-18 reports of Department of Religion and Culture with answers and clarifications by its Kalon Ven. Karma Gelek Yutok.

In accordance to the list of business for the day, the agenda of electing a new Justice Commissioner of Tibetan Supreme Justice Commissioner in a secret ballot convened at 11:15 am.

Upon the retirement of former Justice Commissioner Mr. Ngawang Choedak Choetri Tengpa on Sept 3, 2018 and in accordance to the sub-clause 1of Clause (63) Article (VI) enshrined in the Charter of Tibetans in exile, the candidates nominated by the ad hoc ‘Nomination Committee’, comprising of fformer Chief Justice Commissioner Mr Jhadur Sangpo, former Kalon Tsering Phuntsok and former Commissioner of Public Service Commission, Jampel Choesang, were read out in the House by the Speaker., viz., Mrs. Tsewang Dolma Shosur, Additional Secretary, Department of Home, CTA and Mr. Karma Damdul, Additional Secretary, Department of Religion and Culture, CTA.

 

The nominations by the ad hoc Nomination Committee then were put to vote. With equality of votes between the two candidates and one abstention in the first counting, the 43 members of parliament voted again to result in Mr. Karma Damdul, securing a simple majority of 21 votes against 19 votes for Mrs. Tsewang Dolma, 2 informal votes and one abstention. Mr. Karma Damdul, thereby, was elected as the new Justice Commissioner of Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission.

18 parliamentarians participated in the general debate on the reports of 2017-18 of Department of Religion and Culture.

Thereafter, Mr. Sonam Topgyal Khorlatsang, Kalon of the Department of Home, presented the précis 2017-18 annual report of its main ministry office as well as of all the offices under it. Parliamentarian Ven. Geshe Lharampa Atuk Tsetan presented the Standing Committee’s reviewed report on the same.

Accordingly, Parliamentarian Mr. Karma Gelek tabled the motion for debate on the aforementioned reports, supported by Parliamentarian Mrs. Dolma Tsering, which shall be carried forward in the next day’s list of business.

Except for two with leaves, all the Parliamentarians attended the second day of the sessions. The session adjourned at 5:00 pm till 9:30 am of the next morning.