Tajikistan held parliamentary elections on March 2, amidst severe criticism of the electoral process and the regime led by Emomali Rahmon, who has been in power since 1992. The elections lacked meaningful competition and independent oversight, raising concerns regarding their legitimacy. Although some entities claimed the elections were democratic, these assertions contrast sharply with reports of repression against opposition and media.
On March 2, Tajikistan, the poorest country in Central Asia, conducted parliamentary elections under the ruling regime of Emomali Rahmon, who has been in power since 1992. The People’s Democratic Party of Tajikistan claimed victory, winning 49 out of 63 parliamentary seats. However, these elections lacked significant international oversight, as Western observers were largely barred from monitoring the process, raising concerns about their legitimacy.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization, led by China and Russia, labeled the elections as “transparent, credible, and democratic,” a view echoed by Beijing. Nonetheless, this portrayal starkly contrasts with the reality, as the elections offered no genuine political competition, with all participating parties aligned with Rahmon. Over decades, Rahmon has systematically eliminated political opposition, creating a political environment dominated by loyalists and entrenching a strong personality cult. Freedom House rates the Tajik regime among the most authoritarian globally, further exemplified by his son, Rustam Emomali, chairing the upper house of parliament, indicating a potential dynastic succession.
The Norwegian Helsinki Committee characterizes the Tajik parliament as a mere “rubber-stamp body” with little legislative power. Following the ban of the Islamic Renaissance Party of Tajikistan in 2015, the landscape for political opposition has drastically diminished. The Social Democratic Party, established in 2002, has failed to secure any parliamentary seats, with its members facing increasing persecution.
Recent events highlight the ongoing repression faced by opposition members and critical journalists. Following Rakhmatillo Zoiirov’s death in May 2024, his deputy and several associates were arrested and received lengthy prison sentences. Notably, Shokirjon Khakimov and his niece, journalist Ruhshona Khakimova, faced undisclosed charges, signaling the regime’s aim to neutralize perceived threats. Reports suggest that for nearly ten years, the government has systematically incarcerated dissenters, often in secretive trials.
The lack of election oversight further compromised the voting process, as the OSCE canceled its monitoring mission for the first time since 2000 due to concerns over observer accreditation and non-partisan citizen oversight. Experts have indicated that this development indicates a worrying trend toward authoritarianism under Rahmon, with the government also banning independent media coverage of the elections. Reporters Without Borders ranked Tajikistan poorly in its World Press Freedom Index, emphasizing the repressive media environment.
Despite the obstacles, some regional outlets reported irregularities, including allegations of voter coercion and fraud. These findings accentuate the troubling aspects of the elections, casting doubts on their integrity.
In conclusion, the combination of government repression, lack of independent monitoring, and a constrained media landscape raises significant concerns regarding the authenticity of Tajikistan’s elections. The sustained crackdown on dissent and civil liberties under Rahmon calls into question the veracity of the electoral outcomes, rendering them largely illegitimate and flawed.
The parliamentary elections in Tajikistan have showcased a troubling lack of transparency, competitive politics, and media freedoms. The sustained government repression under Emomali Rahmon, coupled with the barring of independent observation, undermines the legitimacy of the electoral process. Consequently, the elections cannot be deemed free or fair, highlighting the authoritarian nature of the regime and the dire state of democracy in Tajikistan.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
