The Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) deployed an independent International Expert Election Observation Mission (IEEOM) to assess the 2026 elections for the 18th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile (TPiE). 

This mission, conducted in coordination with the International Campaign for Tibet (ICT), marks ANFREL’s first standalone and fully independent observation of the Tibetan electoral process.

The mission’s work included pre-election interviews with a wide range of stakeholders, including election authorities, candidates, monastic leaders, and civil society across key settlements. 

On April 26, 2026, observers monitored Election Day operations in several locations in India, including Dharamshala, McLeod Ganj, and Bir in Himachal Pradesh; Dehradun and Mussoorie in Uttarakhand; and Bylakuppe and Rabgyeling in Karnataka. 

The team evaluated the integrity and transparency of the process, specifically assessing technical aspects such as ballot security, chain-of-custody safeguards, and voter verification procedures under the Green Book system.

High-level meetings were also central to the mission’s assessment. The team had the honor of meeting with His Holiness the Dalai Lama in McLeod Ganj to recognize the Tibetan people’s democratic journey and the gift of democracy provided by His Holiness. 

Additionally, observers met with Sikyong Penpa Tsering, who shared insights on the administrative functions of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) and current dynamics within the global diaspora. 

These engagements informed the mission’s independent, evidence-based assessment of the 2026 TPiE elections and its support for the democratic resilience of the Tibetan people.