The Dalai Lama formally relinquishes political role

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has formally relinquished his political and administrative role by signing amendments to the Constitution of the Tibetan government-in-exile.

The amendments, mostly pertaining to political and administrative powers vested with 75-year-old Dalai Lama were debated during the special three day session of the Tibetan Parliament and presented to the Dalai Lama, who accepted them yesterday, said Tenzin Norbu, Tibetan Parliament spokesperson.

After the approval of the amendments to Tibetan Charter (Constitution) by Dalai Lama, "All political powers formerly held jointly by him and the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) to represent and serve the whole people of Tibet, are now vested in the CTA and in particular its democratic leadership and Dalai Lama would only remain the spiritual head as per his wishes," he said.

During the special session from May 26 to 28, the Parliament approved a new preamble and inherent rights and responsibilities to be assigned to the Dalai Lama under Article 1 of the charter.

Under Article 1, the Dalai Lama is the "Protector and Symbol of Tibet and Tibetan People" and his duties would be to provide advice and encouragement with respect to protection and promotion of physical, spiritual, ethical and cultural wellbeing of the Tibetan people, to remain engaged in efforts to reach a satisfactory solution to the question of Tibet and to accomplish the cherished goals of the Tibetan people.

He will provide suggestions in various forms to the assembly of Tibetan People’s Deputies and Kashag (council of ministers) in matters of importance to the Tibetan people, including the community and its institutions in exile, at his own initiative or at the request of those bodies.