The Assembly of Tibetan People's Deputies is the highest legislative organ of the Tibetan refugee community. It was instituted in 1960. The creation of this democratically-elected body was one of the major changes that His Holiness the Dalai Lama has brought about in his efforts to introduce a democratic system of administration. The Assembly consists of 46 elected members. U-Tsang, Kham and Amdo, the three traditional provinces of Tibet, elect ten members each while the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism and the traditional Bon faith elect two members each. Three deputies are elected by Tibetans in the west: two from Europe and one from North America. In addition, three members with distinction in the fields of art, science, literature and community service are nominated directly by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

The Assembly of Tibetan People's Deputies is headed by a Chair and a Vice-Chair, who are elected by the deputies amongst themselves. Any Tibetan who has reached the age of 25 years has the right to contest elections to the Assembly. The elections are held every five years and any Tibetan who has reached the age of 18 years is entitled to vote.

Sessions of the Assembly are held twice every year, with an interval of six months between the sessions. However, His Holiness can summon extraordinary sessions of the Assembly in the case of national emergencies. When the Assembly is not in session, there is a standing committee of twelve members: two members from each province, one member from each religious denomination, and one member who is directly nominated by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

As representatives of the people, the deputies of the Assembly undertake periodic tours to Tibetan communities to make an assessment of their overall conditions. Returning from these trips, they bring to the notice of the Administration any specific grievances and matters needing attention.

The Assembly of Tibetan People's Deputies keeps in touch with people also through Local Assemblies in Tibetan communities. The Charter provides for the establishment of a Local Assembly in a community having a population of not less than 160. The Local Assemblies are scaled-down replicas of the Assembly of Tibetan People's Deputies. They keep an eye on the activities of their respective settlement/welfare officers. They also make laws for their respective communities according to the latter's felt-needs. The laws passed by the Local Assembly must be implemented by the respective Settlement/Welfare Officer.

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Last updated: 15-Jan-04