A Constitutional Battle Brews in Tajikistan

A constitutional battle is brewing in Tajikistan. President Imomali Rahmonov hopes to hold a referendum that would repeal legislation currently barring him from running for reelection. Opposition leaders, meanwhile, say such a constitutional change could damage Tajikistan's democratic development and possibly result in renewed confrontation.

The president's supporters in parliament have said the existing basic law contains "inaccuracies" and could benefit from amending. The legislature, which is controlled by the pro-presidential People's Democratic Party of Tajikistan, established a commission to study the referendum issue, which on March 6 endorsed the referendum idea. Tentative plans call for a referendum to be held as early as June.

In trying to justify the need for constitutional changes, Rahmonov's parliamentary allies assert that Tajikistan is moving beyond the post-civil-war reconstruction phase and is entering a more stable political era. [For additional information see the Eurasia Insight archive]. The existing constitution, including amendments made in 1999, was "dictated by