Brussels, 30 May 2011 – The passing of amendments tabled on 29 May 2011 transferring executive powers to elected deputies represent the latest stage in Tibet’s maturing democracy that was most recently reflected in the election of Prime Minister Lobsang Sangay in April 2011.

Having observed the polls conducted in April 2011 it is clear that Tibetan democracy is vibrant at both the grassroots and the executive levels.  This is crucial to maintaining hope among the millions of Tibetans that remain in Tibet and subject to the Chinese authorities’ policies of population transfer, linguistic marginalization, religious discrimination, and restrictions on freedom of expression.

The Tibetan Administration continues to be a model of representation and nonviolent advocacy for the rights of Tibetan people around the world.  This week’s constitutional reform upholds this as a standard to be followed not only by recognized states in the region but for nations and people everywhere that are proactively and constructively campaigning for their rights and self-determination.