RFA Hosts Press Briefing on Upcoming Tibetan Government-in-Exile Elections

On Feb. 23, at its headquarters in Washington, Radio Free Asia held a lunch-time briefing for Beltway reporters on the March Tibetan government-in-exile elections. The elections will decide the next prime minister, or Kalon Tripa, of the exile government, which is based in Dharmsala, India. The briefing provided attending journalists, including reporters from Reuters and NHK, with background on the elections, as well as an overview of its historical significance, the issues, and the process. The discussion panel included two veteran reporters from RFA’s Tibetan language service, and guest speaker Bhuchung Tsering, a member of the Sino-Tibetan relations task force in the Central Tibetan Administration. Radio Free Asia has been covering the race, and on March 13 will host a cross-continental debate with the three candidates vying to replace the outgoing Kalon Tripa. The debate will be carried on the airwaves and Webcast live to RFA’s audience. RFA President Libby Liu and Governor Victor Ashe, BBG member and RFA’s chairman for this year, made a few, quick opening remarks at the event.