Tibetans in exile voted in the first phase of elections to choose their government-in-exile and parliament. Voters and candidates stressed unity, cultural survival and freedom, while expressing hopes of returning to a free Tibet amid concerns over shrinking communities worldwide.
Polling was held across the world, including in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, where the Central Tibetan Administration set up three polling booths at different locations to facilitate voting by Tibetans residing in the state.
The voting process, described as unique, is being conducted across 27 countries, with approximately 91,000 registered voters and 309 polling zones set up globally. The final phase of the election is scheduled to be held in April.