DUSHANBE, September 6, 2011, Asia-Plus — Director of the Center for Strategic Studies under the President of Tajikistan, Suhrob Sharipov, believes that the return to authoritarian government remains a real threat in Tajikistan.
“The fact that we have existed as a separate nation for already twenty years is a strange fact,” Suhrob Sharipov stated at a conference dedicated to the 20th anniversary of Tajikistan’s Independence that took place at the Center for Strategic Studies yesterday. “However, we are currently going through the transition period and threats to our statehood still exist. Soviet traditions and principles of authoritarianism are still used by our political elite, and therefore, the threat of the return to authoritarianism remains real. During this transition period, we must overcome these threats. It is to be noted that all post-Soviet republics, except the Baltic countries, are faced with this threat.”
Head of Tajik think tank noted that there was a serious problem with the construction of a democratic state because there was no any clear definition of the notion “democracy.” This problem is topical for all modern democratic countries, Sharipov said. He noted that some European countries, especial monarchical countries such the United Kingdom, Spain and some other, did not meet enough the criteria of democracy. According to him, “only republican regimes such as France may be called real democracy and Tajikistan must strive for such democracy.”
Sharipov also noted that Tajikistan has yielded certain results in creation of democratic state. “Democratic values are introduced in our country gradually,” said the Tajik thin tank head, “For example, after conclusion of a peace agreement, a serious political reform was carried out in Tajikistan. Besides, a multi-party system has existed in the country and we have political opposition, though it is assessed as weak; however, it exists.”
Another achievement of Tajikistan is existence of freedom of speech and independent media outlets in the country, Sharipov stressed. According to him, the freedom of speech situation in Tajikistan is much better than in some other states of the post-Soviet area.
He also noted that being engaged in politics has become expensive. “Those political parties that do not have money and cannot represent themselves will gradually leave political arena. Big money is needed to deal in politics,” Sharipov said.
He believes that Tajikistan is on the path to creation of democratic state.
