Manali, Feb. 2 -- The Tibetan community living in exile on Monday took part in the first phase of elections to choose the Sikyong (President of the Central Tibetan Administration) and members of the 18th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, marking a key democratic exercise for Tibetans residing outside their homeland.

Voters travelled from nearby regions to cast their ballots, underscoring the importance of participation in sustaining the Tibetan government-in-exile and advancing the decades-long struggle for freedom.

Rinjin, a voter, said, "I live in Keylong and I have come here to exercise my right and cast my vote for the Tibet government. We vote to continue fighting for the freedom of our country. You know China has occupied Tibet, and we...