91,000 Tibetans cast their votes to elect the government-in-exile; the first round of voting concludes in 27 countries:The first round of voting for the prime minister and members of parliament of the Tibetan government-in-exile concluded with 91,000 Tibetans in 27 countries casting their ballots

News Topical, Digital Desk : The first phase of voting for the Prime Minister and Members of Parliament of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile concluded on Sunday. The Election Commission of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile established 309 polling stations under the supervision of 87 regional election offices in 27 countries and deployed 1,800 election officials. A total of 91,000 Tibetans cast their votes.

An additional 31 polling stations were set up for Tibetans living away from settlements during the general election period. The second and final phase of voting will take place on April 26.

Through the elections, Tibetans in exile have sent a message to China that they have not given up. Hopes remain high for returning to their homeland and living there as before. Tibetans participated in the voting process in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, and other Indian states.

Lobsang Yeshi, the chief election commissioner of the Central Tibetan Administration, described the vote as a sign that Tibetans have not given up. He said the election was not just about governance or administration, but about Tibet's independence.

Voting faced challenges in some countries due to diplomatic sensitivities. Yeshi said the CTA represents the de facto governance of 7 million Tibetans. He added that despite Chinese occupation, Tibetans still aspire for a free Tibet. Voter turnout will be known after polling reports from all countries are collected.