Dolma Tsering Teykhang sworn in as first woman Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament

Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang and Deputy Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel sworn in today. Photo: Central Tibetan Administration.

On 1 June 2026, Speaker-elect Dolma Tsering Teykhang and Deputy Speaker-elect Khenpo Sonam Tenphel of the 18th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile took their oaths of office in Dharamsala. The oath was administered by Chief Justice Commissioner Yeshi Wangmo.

The swearing-in ceremony took place in the presence of Sikyong Penpa Tsering, Justice Commissioners Dawa Phunkyi and Phagpa Tsering, heads and members of the autonomous bodies, parliamentarians and other dignitaries of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA). The ceremony began with prayers offered by monks of Neychung Monastery, followed by the offering of Mendrel Tensum and the serving of traditional sweetened rice and butter tea.

First woman Speaker

With her swearing-in, Dolma Tsering Teykhang becomes the first woman to hold the office of Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile. She previously served as Deputy Speaker of the 17th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile. According to reports, she was elected Speaker on 31 May 2026 by 22 votes to 20.

Khenpo Sonam Tenphel begins his second term as Deputy Speaker. He previously served as Speaker of the 16th and 17th Tibetan Parliaments-in-Exile and as Deputy Speaker of the 15th Parliament.

The democratic institutions of the Tibetans in exile form an important counterweight to Chinese rule over Tibet, where the Tibetan people have no free political representation. The first session of the 18th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile is scheduled for 2 and 3 June 2026 in the parliamentary hall in Dharamsala.