DUSHANBE, September 25, Asia-Plus – Two Tajik opposition parties – Social-Democratic (SDPT) and Democratic (DPT) parties — have decided to boycott the November 6 presidential election.
A congress of the SDPT that was held in Dushanbe yesterday made a decision to boycott the presidential election, calling it illegitimate. The decision stresses that “the election process in the country was organized in such a way that it entirely depends on bodies of state power, while violations and disregard for the operating republican Constitution as well as non-recognition of international and legal principles and norms in the sphere of elections is becoming a rule of state activities.”
Addressing the congress, the SDPT leader Rahmatillo Zoirov stressed, “The election law adopted in 1994 already is considered illegitimate and invalid after changes and addenda were made to the country’s Constitution in 2003.” Zoirov reiterated that Tajikistan’s Constitution does not give incumbent president Emomali Rahmonov the right to seek another term.
Social Democrats noted that there is no a single standard of organization and holding of elections. They also do not agree with formation of electoral commission of different levels.
61 delegates from various regions of the country took part in the congress’ work.
The SDPT has been in opposition to the present authorities (according to its leader Rahmatillo Zoirov) since the time of its formation in 1998. Its membership is around 6,500 people, representing mostly intellectuals.
Tajikistan’s Democratic Party (DPT) has followed Social Democrats in ignoring the poll. On Sunday September 24, the DPT congress also announced a boycott of the upcoming presidential election, calling it illegitimate.
Jumaboy Niyozov, the first deputy head of the DPT, telling the congress noted, “it is senseless to participate in the election under conditions, when there are no definite legislative mechanisms and interference of authorities in internal affairs of parties’ affairs and election process is felt.”
During the congress it was noted that the examination of the pre-election campaign, doubtful results of the national referenda in 1999 and 2003 on extension of powers of the incumbent president, generates many questions concerning legitimacy of the upcoming elections.
70 delegates took part in the DPT congress’ work.
Founded in 1990, the DPT numbers around 4,500 members.
