Dharamshala, 29 March 2025: Chaired by Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, the twelfth day of the ninth session of the 17th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile began with the official solidarity on the critical situations inside Tibet. The motion was tabled by parliamentarian Geshe Atong Rinchen Gyaltsen and supported by parliamentarian Geshe Lharampa Atuk Tseten.

The six-point official solidarity motion applauds the courageous Tibetans who have sacrificed their lives for the Tibetan cause. It condemns China’s restrictions on the Tibetan language as part of its broader objective of Sinicizing Tibet and calls for the release of political prisoners, including the 11th Panchen Lama.

The motion reaffirms Tibet’s historical independence and upholds the Middle Way Policy as the preferred approach to resolving the Sino-Tibetan conflict through dialogue. It expresses condolences and solidarity with those affected by the devastating earthquake in Tibet’s Dingri region on January 7, 2025, while denouncing China’s unchecked environmental exploitation, which has contributed to natural disasters and destruction.

Furthermore, it extends solidarity to Tibetans inside Tibet, who continue to endure the brutal occupation of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). It also urges Tibetans in the diaspora to unite in efforts to resolve the Sino-Tibetan conflict and preserve Tibet’s unique cultural heritage. The official motion of solidarity on the critical situations inside Tibet was passed unanimously.

The house proceeded with the Election of the Chief Justice Commissioner and two other Justice Commissioners of the Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission and the Election of Auditor General of the Office of Auditor General.

Yeshi Wangmo, Secretary of the Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission, was elected as the Chief Justice Commissioner, receiving 31 votes, while Sonam Gyaltsen garnered 12 votes. With this win, Yeshi Wangmo becomes the first woman to be elected as Chief Justice Commissioner in the TSJC.

Parliamentarian Dawa Phunkyi received 25 votes against parliamentarian Youdon Aukatsang (4 votes), Phurbu Dorjee (9 votes), and 4 null votes and was elected as a Justice Commissioner of the Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission.

Former Kalon Phagpa Tsering was elected as a Justice Commissioner with 31 votes, defeating former parliamentarian Gyari Kalsang Tsewang, who received 12 votes.

Tashi Topgyal, Secretary of Office of Auditor General, was elected as the Auditor General of the Office of Auditor General with 32 votes against Samten Norbu with 8 votes and 3 null votes.

Continuing with the financial business, the budget of the Office of Tibet (Washington DC) was approved following due deliberation. A motion of reduction to the special recurring of the Office of Tibet (Washington DC) failed to receive majority vote. This was followed by deliberation and approval of the budget of Tibetan Community Development Fund (TCDF).

The house proceeded with the continuation of report presentation of the 12 Public Accounts Committee by its secretary parliamentarian Phurpa Dorjee Gyaldhong and members parliamentarian Lhagyari Namgyal Dolkar, parliamentarian Tsering Lhamo, and parliamentarian Tenzin Choezin.

The day concluded with reading of leaves of absence and next week’s list of business by the Secretary-General.

The session adjourned at 6 pm.