The Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leader says handing political power to an elected official is correct, and he will devote the rest of his life to spiritual pursuits.
Parliament Speaker Penpa Tsering said Saturday the assembly would likely accept the Dalai Lama’s request on Sunday “after listening to him speak this morning so firmly and forcefully.”
The parliament had passed a resolution Friday asking him to stay, and one member resigned, saying it was not good karma for him to be part of a decision ending the Dalai Lama’s 300-year-long leadership — over 14 reincarnations. The Dalai Lama’s decision, announced on the March 10 anniversary of a failed 1959 uprising against Chinese rule in his Himalayan homeland that sent him into exile also brought objections from the Tibetan community.
Tibetans in exile will also begin casting ballots in a previously scheduled monthlong election for a new prime minister, choosing among three candidates. The result will likely be announced April 27.
The 85,000 or so registered Tibetans in exile can vote, regardless of where they live, spokesman Lobsang Choedak said. About 11,000 Tibetans live in Dharmsala.
The 76-year-old Dalai Lama, who is believed to be in fairly good health, would maintain his position as spiritual leader until his death, when a new Dalai Lama would be found. He has indicated his successor would come from the exile community.
China’s continued heavy-handed rule over Tibet has made the succession question all important within the Tibetan community.
Beijing, which vilifies the Dalai Lama as a political schemer, insists the reincarnation must be found in China’s Tibetan areas, and has made clear that it intends to have the final say — giving Communist authorities immense power over who is chosen.
Many observers believe there eventually will be rival Dalai Lamas, one appointed by Beijing and one by senior monks loyal to the current Dalai Lama.
