Dharamshala, April 27 -- On a sunny Sunday morning, members of the Tibetan community in exile queued up outside polling stations in Dharamshala to vote in the final polls to elect the members of the 18th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile. Similar polling was held at several other locations across India and in 26 countries worldwide. A total of 93 candidates are in the fray, of whom 45 will be elected to the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, which is based in Dharamshala. Of the total candidates, 20 each are from the three traditional provinces of Tibet, four represent the five religious schools, eight are from North America and Europe, two from Australasia, and three are volunteer candidates. The results are scheduled to be declared on May 13. Being in exile, the Tibetan community members termed the elections as a symbol of resilience and their continued struggle for the Tibet cause. "We live in exile, but we have the full freedom to vote and choose our leaders, whereas Tibetans inside Tibet have no such choice. China claims that Tibet is part of China, which is not true. Most people around the world know the reality. One day, we will return to our homeland," said Tenzing Namdol, who voted in the election. According to officials, around 91,000 voters had registered for the election, and it included 56,749 registrations from India, Nepal and Bhutan, and 34,293 registrations from overseas. Earlier, preliminary polls were earlier held on February 1. Chief election commissioner of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) Lobsang Yeshi said, "This election holds immense significance, as Tibetans are asserting their rights and freedom. By participating, they are sending a message to China that they are still alive, that their struggle continues, and that they have neither given up nor will they stop fighting for their freedom." "China's rhetoric has been relentless; it has repeatedly issued statements protesting our elections. They have also tried to defame our election as if it is illegal. But they know the reality, which is that Tibetans have a government-in-exile that they regard as the legitimate government of Tibet and its people. It has endured and continues to prosper. Tibetans carry forward their struggle under the guidance of the Central Tibetan Administration, established by the Dalai Lama in the 1960s, and it has been highly successful. The international community has recognised and appreciated the strength of this system and continues to support it," he added. The total strength of the Tibetan Parliament is fixed at 45 members. Its composition is: 10 members, including at least 2 women, each elected from the three provinces of Tibet; 2 members each from Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya, Gelug and Bon religion; 2 members elected by Tibetan community in North and South America; 2 members elected by Tibetan community in Europe and Africa; 1 member elected by Tibetan community in Asia (excluding India, Nepal & Bhutan) and Australasia....