DUSHANBE, April 26, 2013, Asia-Plus — Tajik President Emomali Rahmon has again promised that November”s presidential election will be “fair and transparent” but warned the opposition “not to rely on their foreign patrons,” Radio Liberty’s Tajik Service reports.
In his annual address to the parliament and the nation, Rahmon said opposition parties should not attempt, with external help, a repeat of the situation that brought about the country”s 1992-97 civil war.
According to RFE/RL’s Tajik Service, Rahmon”s statement was seen as being addressed to the Islamic Revival Party of Tajikistan (IRP), whose forces fought against Rahmon”s government during the civil war.
The IRP is now Tajikistan”s most popular opposition party, RFE/RL noted.
Earlier this month, Rahmon told journalists in Brussels that the presidential elections will be fair, adding he had not decided whether he would run.
Rahmon has held power in Tajikistan since 1992.
