DUSHANBE, September 23, 2013, Asia-Plus — Pre-election campaign staffs do not have any problems with collecting signature to support their candidates and local authorities have not put any obstacles in their way, Mr. Abdumannon Dodoyev, head of the Central Commission for Elections and Referenda (CCER)’s office, told Asia-Plus Monday afternoon.
“We are surprised at position of some representatives of the Islamic Revival Party of Tajikistan on this subject. Following any working issue, they release a statement claiming that local authorities are putting obstacles in their way. Meanwhile, they can solve any working issue if they immediately apply to the CCER,” Dodoyev told Asia-Plus in an interview.
According to him, some issues the IRP representatives faced Tursunzoda, Muminobod and Rasht have been solved by the CCER promptly by phone.
We will recall that Abduqayum Qayumzod, a spokesman for the TARF that supports lawyer human rights activist Oynihol Bobonazarova as its presidential candidate, said on September 19 that local authorities in the districts of Khuroson, Shahritous and Bokhtar in Khatlon province as well as Tursunzoda (district subordinate to the center) and Dushanbe’s Shohamnsour district demand that Bobonazarova’s campaign staff bring “a certain letter” for stamping the signature collection bulletins. According to him, the local authorities do not say what for they need that letter and from whom this letter must be.
“We have received appropriate bulletins from the CCER for collecting 210,000 signatures to support our candidate,” said Qayumzod. “But we need permissive seal from local authorities for collection of signatures. And they now demand a certain letter.”
A coalition of Tajik opposition groups has nominated Oynihol Bobonazarova to be their candidate for president in elections scheduled for November 6. The TARF made the announcement on September 9. Bobonazarova”s candidacy was officially recognized by the association on September 10.
Bobonazarova”s program reportedly includes constitutional reforms, namely shortening the presidential term and limiting terms in office to a maximum of two. Her platform also targets the transfer of some presidential powers to the legislative and executive branches.
