2001 Central Tibetan Administration general election
General elections for the Tibetan Administration were held on 29 July 2001. For the first time, voters elected the Kalön Tripa, as well as members of Parliament. Previously the Prime Minister had been appointed by the Dalai Lama under the Parliament's ratification. This was part of a series of reforms encouraged by the Dalai Lama for the democratization of the exile Tibetan community. Lobsang Tenzin, the 5th Samdhong Rinpoche won the election with more than 80% of the vote.