Die Welt

A referendum is to be held for the election of his successor, the 72-year-old Dalai Lama told journalists in Amritsar, northern India. "If people feel that the institution of the Dalai Lama is still necessary, it will continue" he said.

"When my physical condition becomes weak, and there are serious preparations for death, then this event should happen."

The vote would be held among all traditional Buddhists in the Tibetan Highlands and in Mongolia. For centuries, the tradition has been that Tibetan monks search for the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama following his death.

The Chinese foreign ministry condemned the Dalai Lama’s announcement, stating that his proposal violated religious practice and historical customs.

announced in August that all future nominations would have to be confirmed by Beijing first, raising fears among Tibetans that the communist regime would take the appointment of the Dalai Lama into its own hands.