Tajikistan’s Upcoming Election: A Foregone Conclusion for President Rahmon

Tajikistan’s general election on March 2nd is expected to lack democratic standards and serve to strengthen President Emomali Rahmon’s grip on power. His party currently controls three-quarters of parliamentary seats and is set to win a significant majority, with all rival parties also aligning with his leadership. This situation indicates a consolidation of power rather than a genuine electoral process.

The upcoming general election in Tajikistan, scheduled for March 2nd, is expected to lack democratic integrity. Instead, it is poised to further solidify the authority of President Emomali Rahmon. His party, the People’s Democratic Party of Tajikistan, currently dominates the parliament, possessing three-quarters of the seats, and is anticipated to secure a substantial majority in the forthcoming election.

The significance of this majority is limited, as the other parties participating in the election function merely as extensions of Mr. Rahmon’s regime. They all pledge support to him under his title “Founder of Peace and National Unity and Leader of the Nation.” Thus, the election serves primarily as a means to eliminate any political opposition against his prolonged governance.

In summary, the general election in Tajikistan is unlikely to embody a democratic process, serving instead as a mechanism for President Rahmon to reinforce his rule. The overwhelming dominance of his party, coupled with the supportive stance of other participating parties, underscores the bleak prospects for political pluralism in Tajikistan.

Original Source: www.economist.com