President: Tajikistan Living up to Election Commitments

Calling Tajikistan's approaching parliamentary vote a "decisive moment," President Imomali Rahmonov insists the election campaign is being conducted in a "free and democratic way." Opposition leaders and international observers, meanwhile, say that some of the Tajik government's actions during the campaign period have effectively enhanced the electoral chances of pro-presidential candidates.

In comments broadcast on Tajik television February 20, Rahmonov offered assurances that the parliamentary balloting would be free and fair, saying "appropriate instructions" had been given to election officials in order to reduce the chance of voting irregularities. The president then urged citizens to "set an excellent example of patriotism" by turning out for the February 27 vote.

"The election process is taking place ... with the observance of the requirements of the law," Rahmonov said. "It is in our interests to ensure that the elections are free and transparent, and that they conform to international standards ... so that this important political event promotes Tajikistan's image of in the international arena."

Opposition representatives, including those from the Islamic Renaissance Party, the Social Democratic Party, have voiced concerns about possible fraud during the balloting, noting that incumbent officials loyal to Rahmonov control the local election commissions, which are responsible for enforcing voting rules and for counting the ballots.

With only a few days left before Tajik voters go to the polls, international observers have characterized the election campaign as "extremely subdued." A recent interim report released by the OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) noted that many hallmarks of a vigorously contested election, including campaign posters and large-scale rallies, were absent from Tajikistan's political scene. OSCE representatives have also voiced concern about restrictive registration regulations and government efforts to influence media campaign coverage. [For background see the Eurasia Insight archive].

The OSCE/ODIHR election mission report indicated that almost one-third of individuals seeking to contest the election were not able to officially register as candidates. In some cases, opposition parties were unable to afford the high registration fees, OSCE/ODIHR representatives said. In all, six political parties are participating in the election, but only the ruling People's Democratic Party of Tajikistan is running a full-slate of candidates.

"Opposition parties assert that some of their candidates were unfairly denied registration, and have filed official complaints," the OSCE/ODIHR interim report covering the February 8-13 period said. "Still, the variety of candidates and parties provides a measure of pluralism and offers voters a choice."

In a February 10 statement, Stephan Minikes, US Ambassador to the OSCE, expressed concern about reports that the Tajik government sought to manipulate the election campaign. "Such actions [including the alleged harassment of independent media outlets] are clearly inconsistent with international democratic standards and they undermine Tajikistan's stated determination to hold elections that are free and fair."

"The United States believes strongly that an electoral atmosphere that encourages full participation by candidates, and strengthens peace and stability, rather than undermines it."

The government's most controversial move during the run-up to the election concerned the arrest of Mahmadruzi Iskandarov, the leader of the opposition Democratic Party of Tajikistan. Iskandarov was taken into custody in early December in Moscow, after Russian authorities acted on a Tajik arrest warrant. Prosecutors in Dushanbe alleged that Iskandarov abused his authority while serving as the head of the state gas company. He was also charged with masterminding a raid on the police headquarters in his native Tajikabad District. The incident occurred in August 2004 -- a time when Iskandarov was already living in Moscow. Authorities contend that he helped plot the attack, which supposedly was aimed at assassinating the district prosecutor, before departing for Moscow. Iskandarov insists that the charges are politically motivated. Some observers suggest the incident was designed to dampen his oft-stated desire to run for president

Iskandarov remains in custody in Moscow. According to a February 4 report by the Avesta news agency, Tajik prosecutors sent Russian officials paperwork to launch the extradition process. The same report, however, said unofficial sources indicated that Russia might consider releasing Iskandarov following the election.