Dharamsala:
Seventy five-year old Dalai Lama has announced that he is retiring from active politics, marking a period of uncertainty for Tibet's government-in-exile.
The 14th Dalai Lama will send a formal letter to Tibet's Parliament-in-exile today asking to be relieved of his political authority.
"His holiness wants to retire but it is up to Parliament and Tibetan people to decide whether it is right time for him to retire or not. Spiritually he remains... Dalai Lama is a Dalai Lama... he is an institution; there cannot be any retirement from his spiritual responsibilities. Parliament-in-exile may consider Dalai Lama's request but the transition is likely to be a long-drawn out process," said Pensa Tsering, Speaker, Tibetan Parliament-in-exile.
The search for the spiritual leader's political successor began with elections last October. And three front-runners have emerged:
- Dr Lobsang Singe, who studied at Harvard
- Tenzin Namgyal, who has already served the Tibet government-in-exile in various capacities
- Tashi Wangdi, a veteran who once represented Dalai Lama's office at Delhi
On March 20, 83,000 Tibetans across the world will cast their votes to decide their new political leader. The final result is expected on April 27.
And while the Dalai Lama may step out of his political shoes, he will continue to be a source of stability and cohesion for Tibetans-in-exile.