Dalai Lama puts date on relinquishing power

Dalai Lama in Lausanne, 2009

The Dalai Lama, spiritual leader of Tibetans, said Thursday 10 March from Dharmsala, India, that  he will propose amendments to the exile constitution, later in March. He has said for years that he will give up political power to an elected representative, but this is the first time he has  put a date on actions to make this happen.

His real power extends well beyond the political sphere of exiled Tibetans, however, and as AP reports, “Just how much change will come, though, is highly unclear. While the elected parliament officially wields great power in the exile community, the Dalai Lama’s status means he overshadows everyone else.” The exile prime minister says the process is likely to be long and difficult.