by Topden Tsering

March 18, 1997: At an election for two Kalons held here today at Dharamsala during the third session of the 12th Assembly of Tibetan Peoples' Deputies, 43 members went to the poll to choose from six candidates.

Leading with 33 and 19 votes respectively, T.C. Tethong - Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the Bereau of His Holiness in Delhi, and Kirti Rinpoche were elected to the posts.

The leading candidates are followed by Dorji Damdul with seventeen, Lobsang Tsultrim and Tsultrim Sangpo with six each and Namgyal Dorji with three votes respectively.

The portfolios for Mr. T.C. Tethong and Ven. Kirti Rinpoche have not been decided as yet.