KHOROG, August 13, 2009, Asia-Plus — Representatives of some political parties functioning in Gorno Badakhshan consider that local heavy winter conditions make holding of pre-election campaign in the region less efficient and restrict their participation in the upcoming parliamentary elections due in February 2010.
This issue was discussed at a meeting of representatives of organizations of political parties in Gorno Badakhshan with senior representatives from local authorities that was held in Khorog on August 12. The meeting was staged by the Public Council of Tajikistan and the OSCE Office in Tajikistan.
Speaking at the meeting, representatives of the Islamic Revival (IRPT), Social-Democratic (SDPT) and Communist (CPT) parties considered it undesirable to hold election in the winter period under the present conditions. According to them, heavy climate conditions in major part of the country, especially Gorno Badakhshan during the winter period make holding of the pre-election campaign less efficient.
The head of the SDPT organization for Gorno Badakhshan Alim Sherzamonov, in particular, noted that they had failed to get the majority of voters during the previous elections because of numerous avalanches.
In the meantime, representatives of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDPT) noted that despite heavy climate conditions in mountain areas of Tajikistan, the winter period was comparatively more suitable for holding elections because voters were relatively free during the winter period and could actively participate in elections.
