With a voter turnout of 63,991 out of 83,080 registered voters, the turnout was the highest in the history of Tibetan elections held in exile, the Election Commission said. Speaking to RFA’s Tibetan Service after his win was declared, Tsering pledged to work hard “for the Tibetan cause and for the welfare of Tibetan society,” adding, “We must stand united now and understand who our real enemy is,” referring to China, which invaded and occupied the formerly independent Tibet 70 years ago.
“Tibetans in Tibet have kept the Tibetan cause alive with great determination under China’s oppressive rule for all these years, with many even sacrificing their lives for the cause,” Tsering added in an official statement following the announcement of his win.
