Tajikistan held parliamentary elections on March 2 under Emomali Rahmon’s authoritarian regime. The elections lacked international oversight, with claims of transparency being disputed. All participating parties aligned with Rahmon raised concerns regarding political competition and media repression. Reports of voting irregularities further questioned the electoral legitimacy. The conditions suggest a continuation of authoritarian practices with no room for free democratic processes.
Tajikistan, the poorest nation in Central Asia bordering Afghanistan, conducted parliamentary elections on March 2 under the long-term rule of Emomali Rahmon, who has been in power since 1992. His party, the People’s Democratic Party of Tajikistan, claimed victory, taking 49 out of 63 seats, yet the elections faced significant critique due to a lack of international oversight with Western observers effectively excluded from monitoring.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization, supported by China and Russia, called the elections “transparent, credible, and democratic,” which contradicts the prevailing reality that reflects a lack of genuine political competition. All six participating parties were aligned with Rahmon, who has systematically eliminated opposition over three decades, resulting in a political landscape primarily comprised of his loyalists. His son, Rustam Emomali, chairs the upper house, further suggesting a dynastic continuation of authoritarian rule.
Freedom House categorizes Tajikistan as one of the world’s most authoritarian regimes. Following the banning of the Islamic Renaissance Party in 2015, the opposition has been severely weakened, and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has failed to secure any parliamentary seats since its formation, facing significant persecution against its leaders.
After the recent death of SDP leader Rakhmatillo Zoiirov, several associated politicians, including deputy Shokirjon Khakimov, faced severe criminal charges, such as conspiracy against the government, resulting in lengthy prison sentences. Additionally, journalist Ruhshona Khakimova was also imprisoned under unclear circumstances, emphasizing the regime’s harsh repression of dissenters and critics.
The election lacked transparency, as independent verification of results was impossible. For the first time since 2000, the OSCE canceled its election monitoring mission due to concerns over non-accreditation of international observers. This absence indicates a deeper trend toward authoritarianism under Rahmon. The Tajik government also barred Radio Ozodi, the last independent media outlet, from covering the elections, reflecting an increasingly hostile media environment as ranked by Reporters Without Borders.
Despite these restrictions, some reports indicated irregularities, such as coercion of sick voters and potential voter fraud with individuals allegedly voting on behalf of others. The overall situation around the elections emphasizes the absence of legitimate checks and balances, questioning the substantive fairness and transparency of the electoral process.
In conclusion, the lack of independent oversight and media coverage, coupled with systemic repression of dissent and opposition, makes the legitimacy of Tajikistan’s recent elections highly questionable. Emomali Rahmon’s authoritarian regime continues to stifle political freedoms, making the prospect of free and fair democratic processes virtually impossible.
The recent parliamentary elections in Tajikistan, conducted under Emomali Rahmon’s longstanding authoritarian rule, were marred by significant limitations on political competition and independent oversight. The systemic repression of opposition parties, coupled with a lack of credible monitoring and pervasive media censorship, casts substantial doubt on the legitimacy of the electoral process. As a result, the environment remains unfit for democratic practices, signaling an entrenched autocracy.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
