Tajikistan’s parliamentary elections saw Rahmon’s party claim victory amid a lack of international oversight. Despite being portrayed as democratic by organizations like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the elections lacked real political competition, with all parties aligned with the regime. Systematic repression of opposition and media contributes to questioning the legitimacy of the electoral process.
Tajikistan, Central Asia’s poorest country and bordering Afghanistan, held parliamentary elections on March 2, 2024. The elections saw the People’s Democratic Party of Tajikistan, led by Emomali Rahmon, who has ruled since 1992, claim victory by securing 49 out of 63 parliamentary seats. However, the elections occurred with significant international oversight deficiencies, as Western observers were virtually barred from monitoring the process.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization, led by China and Russia, described the elections as “transparent, credible, and democratic,” sentiments echoed by Beijing, which praised the election as inclusive. Nevertheless, these claims are misaligned with the on-ground reality, where genuine political competition was absent. All six participating parties were aligned with Rahmon’s regime, eliminating viable opposition.
Tajikistan’s political landscape has been severely restricted under Rahmon’s rule, which has seen the systematic eradication of political opposition over three decades. Freedom House categorizes Tajikistan as one of the most authoritarian regimes globally. The potential for dynastic succession is apparent with Rahmon’s son, Rustam Emomali, chairing the upper house of parliament. Analysts worry that this consolidation of power will further entrench the regime.
Since banning the Islamic Renaissance Party of Tajikistan in 2015, opposition has been effectively decimated, with the Social Democratic Party (SDP) failing to secure seats since its inception in 2002. Following the death of SDP leader Rakhmatillo Zoiirov, repression intensified, leading to the detention and lengthy sentences of opposition figures, including Khakimov. Journalists critical of the regime, such as Ruhshona Khakimova, also faced imprisonment under dubious charges.
The lack of election oversight further eroded the legitimacy of the electoral process. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) canceled its monitoring mission for the first time since 2000 due to concerns about international observer accreditation. The OSCE noted the absence of independent citizen observation and civil society organizations capable of assessing democratic processes, raising red flags about the electoral integrity.
Additionally, the ban on Radio Ozodi, deemed the last independent media outlet in Tajikistan, restricted election coverage severely. Reporters Without Borders highlighted the government’s tightening grip on media, ranking Tajikistan 155th in its 2024 World Press Freedom Index. Despite restrictions, reports of electoral irregularities surfaced, indicating potential coercion and fraud in the voting process.
In conclusion, the lack of independent media and monitors rendered the election results unverifiable. Rahmon’s ongoing suppression of political, media, and civil freedoms substantially undermines the conduct of free and fair elections. Therefore, the legitimacy of the electoral outcome remains significantly in doubt.
Tajikistan’s recent parliamentary elections highlight a troubling absence of democratic processes characterized by a lack of political competition and severe restrictions on media and civil liberties. The overwhelming influence of Rahmon’s regime and the absence of independent oversight render the election results questionable. Consequently, the claims of a democratic electoral process by the government and its allies are misleading in light of substantial evidence of repression and fraud.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
