Tibetans to hold mass mock election in Dharamshala

Dharamshala, June 21 (ANI): The Tibetan Women's Association (TWA) organised a two-day workshop to educate public about the 'Kalon Tripa Mass Mock Election' to ensure a higher voter turnout during the actual election due in 2011.

65 participants from 30 different regional chapters of the TWA from India and Nepal have gathered for the intensive training for the mock election' slated for July 6.

The training will throw light on the process and issues related to educate and train the regional executive members of TWA in India, Nepal and Bhutan, as well as in overseas branches.

The central TWA and its regional chapters will hold a large scale 'Kalon Tripa Mass Mock election' in 40 regions across six countries and three continents.

The entire exile community is expected to participate in the mock election.

To assure a non-partisan process, TWA will not endorse any candidate nor reproduce any nominations list doing its rounds. The voters will vote for the candidates of their choice.

The results will be announced in a press conference on July 23.

TWA believes a higher voter turnout will further enhance the legitimacy of the Tibet's government in exile.

According to TWA, poor awareness was the single biggest contributor for the low turnout in the last Kalon Tripa elections in 2006 as the public were largely unaware of the election process and the timing of the polls. (ANI)