A solemn gathering dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the adoption of Tajikistan’s Constitution took place at the Kokhi Borbad State Complex in Dushanbe today.
According to an official source within the Tajik government, the meeting participants included members of the government, heads of ministries and agencies, public figures, veterans and foreign diplomats.
Tajik President Emomali Rahmon addressed the meeting. In his statement, Tajik leader analyzed the role of the Constitution in development of independent Tajikistan.
Rahmon, in particular, noted that the adoption of the Constitution was one of the most important events in the contemporary history of the Tajiks and the great achievements of the people of the country.
“Only with the adoption of the Constitution it has become possible to create favorable legal conditions for protecting independence, ending civil conflict in society, restoring activities of the paralyzed government bodies, providing national security and public order, returning refugees to homeland, and strengthening political, socioeconomic and cultural foundations of the stat,” the president said.
He further noted that “with the adoption of the Constitution a new historical stage has begun in development of Tajikistan’s statehood, during which we have made major changes in political, legal, socioeconomic and cultural live of the country.”
Emomali Rahmon expressed confidence that the Constitution would continue serving for good of Tajik society and tranquility of every resident of the country for many years.
The Constitution of Tajikistan was adopted on 6 November 1994. The Constitution declares ideological and political pluralism, ensuring human rights and social-legal guarantees.
The Constitution has the highest legal power, direct application and supremacy on the whole territory of Tajikistan. The Constitution proclaims the establishment of a democratic, legal, secular and unitary State, where the State power is based on the principle of separation of powers. As the fundamental law of the State, the Constitution defines the structure of the government, basic rights, liberties and responsibilities of its citizens, as well as the powers of the legislative, executive and judicial branches.
Tajikistan’s Constitution was amended by referendums on September 26, 1999, June 22, 2003 and May 22, 2016.
Amendments to the Constitution of the Republic of Tajikistan in 1999 established a new bicameral parliament (Article 48) and extended the President’s term of office from five to seven years (Article 65).
Changes proposed to the Constitution of Tajikistan at the referendum on May 22, 2003 included removing Article 65, which limited the President to a single term of office.
A total of 41 constitutional amendments were proposed to the Constitution of Tajikistan at the referendum of May 22, 2016. The changes included: amending Article 65 to remove term limits on the President of Tajikistan; reducing the minimum age to run for president from 35 to 30; and banning political parties based on religious platforms.
