Review of press on parliamentary elections

$100,000 for the commission for monitoring the elections

Information agency Asia-Plus reported that government of Federative Republic of Germany provided $100,000 to support the commission of observers of parliamentary elections in RT. A-P received the information at embassy of Germany in Dushanbe. The funds will be used by the joint mission of OSCE and UN for monitoring the elections. The assistance is aimed at supporting democratic processes in Tajikistan. Besides, two specialists arrived in Dushanbe from Germany, to monitor the elections. Monitoring the elections should contribute in conducting free and fair elections and strengthen cooperation between Germany and Tajikistan.

Information agency Asia-Plus informed that registration of candidates of one-mandate districts was completed on February 6. The number of such candidates is still being finalized at CEC. The final data will be published in afternoon of that day. Registration by party lists was completed on January 20, indicating candidates by their names. None of the six political parties of RT registered the full list of their nominees. The Peoples Democratic Party has the largest list – 21 candidates; the Communist Party – 20; the Democratic Party – 19; the Socialist Party – 18; the Islamic Revival Party and the Adolatkhoh – 15 candidates each.

Journalist criticized the Law on Elections

Newspaper Najot of Islamic Revival Party published an article by Ahmad Rahim, in which the author tried to analyze observation of the principle of equality for all candidates. By opinion of Ahmad Rahim, the terms for all candidates should have been determined before the election campaign. The situation when one candidate can begin the campaign after registering on January 25 while another gets registered on February 6 violates the principle of equality. He also considers that Article 39 of the Law on Elections regulating activity of mass media is too generalized and inconcrete and could be an obstacle in highlighting the elections. This article prohibits mass media publish information that might damage dignity of a candidate. By opinion of the author, absence of detailed definition of damage to dignity and honor can lead to court claims against journalists.

S.A.Nuri is satisfied with his travel to Leninabad region

Information agency Asia-Plus reported that chairman of Islamic Revival Party of Tajikistan Sayeed Abdullo Nuri informed the mass media of results of his pre-election travel to Leninabad region at the press conference on February 7. S.A.Nuri said that the main goal of the trip to north were the pre-election promotion and information and democratization of the society. "I am sure that after this trip the number of supporters of our party increased, and I am satisfied with its results". Chairman of IRP is sure that his party would get 30%-35% of seats in the new parliament. The IRP registered 29 candidates – 15 by party lists and 14 individual candidates. S.A.Nuri said that "IRP expects support mostly from rural population, and we are concerned that falsifying and pressure from some structures might take place at the elections".