Excerpts from report by Tajik radio on 28th February

An important political event, the election of candidates to the Assembly of
Representatives and local assemblies of people's representatives, was held
in Tajikistan yesterday.

[passage omitted: the number of candidates contesting the seats;
international monitors observed the poll; candidates were given
opportunities for campaigning]

As you know from reports, this important political campaign proceeded at a
high political level in a calm and peaceful atmosphere with citizens' deep
acknowledgement of their civic duty and of the intention to build a
democratic, constructive and law-based state.
This campaign could already be deemed valid by the turnout results for the
middle of the day announced by the Central Election and Referendum
Commission [CERC] which were broadcast in our reports from the CERC
yesterday.

[passage omitted: the campaign ended the last phase of the peace agreement;
new parliament is the basis of democratic laws further development of
Tajikistan]

The election results will be summed up at the CERC this afternoon and
announced officially by the CERC and we will broadcast the results in our
bulletins.

Source: Tajik Radio first programme, Dushanbe, in Tajik 0500 gmt 28 Feb 00
BBC Mon CAU 280200/** JF/UU