Dalai Lama to step down as Tibet’s leader to ‘devolve power’

THE Dalai Lama has said he would step down as Tibet’s political leader, a move seen as transforming the government-in-exile into a more assertive and democratic body in the face of Chinese pressure.

By devolving his powers, the Dalai Lama would give the prime minister greater clout as the region seeks autonomy from China.

Tibetans will vote for a new prime minister this month, with the elections seen as ushering in a generation of younger, secular leaders and strengthening the movement’s global standing.