Kaydor Aukatsang enters 2026 presidential race for Tibetan government-in-exile
Kelsang Dorjee (Kaydor) Aukatsang, former North America representative of the Dalai Lama, on Wednesday announced his candidacy for the 2026 presidential elections of the Tibetan government-in-exile.
The announcement was made through a public statement on his social media platforms, accompanied by his detailed campaign manifesto.
Kaydor stated that he was stepping forward “with humility and a deep sense of duty”, describing the present moment as a critical juncture for Tibetans amid intensifying Chinese repression in Tibet and growing political polarisation within the diaspora.
Presently, he is the founding President of the Asia Freedom Institute and a non-resident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Global China Hub having extensive international exposure.
He has emphasised that the geopolitical landscape surrounding Tibet has grown increasingly complex, requiring leadership capable of navigating global institutions and mobilising support for Tibet’s cause of freedom.
Kaydor has held several senior positions within the Central Tibetan Administration including stints as the Dalai Lama’s Representative in Washington, Special Advisor to former President Dr. Lobsang Sangay, Chief Resilience Officer and Director of the Social and Resource Development Fund. He unsuccessfully contested the 2021 presidential election and secured 28,907 votes in the final round.
Reflecting on that campaign, Kaydor has stated that his travels across India, Europe, and North America exposed him to both the resilience and anxieties of Tibetan communities. Although he had not planned to run again, he said he was encouraged by Tibetans who believed that “credible alternatives failed to emerge".
His manifesto centers on three major commitments: strengthening unity across generations and regional lines; refocusing the CTA’s global advocacy and adopting a “Look North” strategy to counter China’s influence; and accelerating community self-reliance through financial diversification and stronger institutional foundations.
Kaydor has appealed to the Tibetans worldwide to participate actively in shaping the community’s future. His entry marks the second formal candidacy after incumbent Sikyong Penpa Tsering declared his bid earlier. More candidates are expected to join the race as the 2026 elections draw closer, setting the stage for a competitive and closely watched contest among Tibetan exiles worldwide.
Himachal Tribune