DUSHANBE, September 27, 2013, Asia-Plus – There are only ten days are left to complete registration requirements while Bobonazarova’s pre-election campaign staff has collected only 21,000 signatures by September 27.
Ms. Oynihol Bobonazarova stated at a press conference that took place at the Islamic Revival Party (IRP)’s headquarters in Dushanbe today.
Ms. Bobonazarova noted that the majority of heads of districts have avoided meetings with her representatives, impeding signature collection process and demanding list of members of the Islamic Revival Party.
“They have justified their demand by saying that they must know the number of party members for issuing a certain number of forms,” said she. “I had previously been sure that we will be able to collect the necessary number of signatures, but they have stolen our time, and we now cannot state this confidently.”
Coalition of Tajik opposition groups has nominated Oynihol Bobonazarova to be their candidate for president in the upcoming elections. The Tajik Association of Reformist Forces (TARF) made the announcement on September 9. Bobonazarova”s candidacy was officially recognized by the association on September 10. The TARF is led by the Islamic Revival Party and the Social-Democratic Party.
Tajikistan”s first female presidential candidate has said that, if elected, she would lead the country only for a transition period while reforms are implemented.
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.
A lawyer by profession, Ms. Bobonazarova is best known for her advocacy of human rights and her work with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the Open Society Institute/Assistance Foundation.
Ms. Oynihol Bobonazarova is the head of the “Perspektiva” social movement and since 1990 has been known for her work with democratic parties in Tajikistan. She was jailed for several months in 1993, during Tajikistan”s civil war, for her activities.
We will recall that as of September 17, political parties and two national social organizations are reportedly allowed to forward their candidates for the presidency. Nominated candidates are required to support their candidature with signatures from five per cent of the electorate within a 20-day period, which according to many experts presents a significant obstacle. The presidential election is scheduled for November 6.
