DUSHANBE, October 11, 2013, Asia-Plus – Ms. Oynihol Bobonazarova pulled out of the presidential election race after members of her campaign staff failed to collect the necessary number of signatures to support her candidature.
“Ms. Oynihol Bobonazarova failed to collect the necessary number of signatures to support her candidature although the Central Commission for Elections and Referenda (CCER) has permitted Bobonazarova’s campaign staff to submit the list of signatures today morning,” said Abdumannon Dodoyev, the head of the CCER’s office. “Therefore, her candidacy is withdrawn.”
“I cannot say anything concrete now. We will discuss the situation at a meeting of the board of the Islamic Revival Party (IRP) that will take place today afternoon,” Mahmadali Hayit, the head of Bobonazarova’s campaign staff, told Asia-Plus in an interview.
We will recall that the signature collection process concluded yesterday at 6:00 pm, but the CCER permitted Bobonzarova’s campaign staff to submit the signatures Friday morning.
Under the country’s legislation, nominated candidates are required to support their candidature with signatures from 5 per cent (210,000) of the electorate. Many local experts say that the high number of signatures, in combination with a short period of time, present significant obstacles to registering as a candidate.
The Islamic Revival Party confirmed its support for Bobonazarova at a party congress on September 17.
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.
Thus, six candidates, including incumbent President Emomali Rahmon, will run for Tajik presidency
