The first elections in history continue in Tibet and are now in full swing throughout the region. Former serfs and slaves going to the polls for the first time ever are electing their own deputies to the people's congresses at the township level.　These in turn will elect members of the township people's councils--the local people's governments.

A recent report from Tibet indicates that, by the end of 1962, elections were completed in 473 townships, or 24 per cent of the total in the Tibet region.　In the other townships and the extensive pastoral areas, elections are either under way or will start soon. It is expected that between spring and summer this year elections at the primary level throughout the region will be completed.

When election comes round, it is turned into a gala festival. After casting their votes, the people celebrate with singing and dancing and the performance of Tibetan plays. The Tibetans treasure the democratic rights they have gained at heavy cost and they are carefully choosing capable deputies.

The deputies elected--all Tibetans --are activists who have come to the fore over the years. Some have become members of the Chinese Communist Party or of the Communist Youth League, others are leaders of agricultural or stock-raising mutual aid teams.

(This article appears page 4, No. 4, 1963)