Tajikistan’s Elections: A Distorted Framework of Democracy Under Rahmon
Tajikistan’s recent parliamentary elections, conducted on March 2, 2024, under President Emomali Rahmon, were claimed to be democratic by Chinese and Russian officials, despite significant evidence to the contrary. The election faced a lack of political competition, repression of opposition, and media freedoms. Observers noted the absence of independent verification, raising profound concerns regarding the legitimacy of the electoral process and the country’s authoritarian regime.
Tajikistan, the least economically prosperous nation in Central Asia, conducted its parliamentary elections on March 2, following a long period of governance by Emomali Rahmon, an ex-Soviet official since 1992. Rahmon’s party, the People’s Democratic Party of Tajikistan, emerged victorious, claiming 49 out of 63 parliamentary seats. However, the election faced substantial criticism due to the effective exclusion of international observers, raising serious questions about the legitimacy of the electoral process.
The elections in Tajikistan exhibited minimal genuine political competition, as all six participating parties are aligned with President Rahmon. Over three decades, he has methodically removed political opposition, fostering a political climate dominated by his loyalists. Freedom House categorizes the Tajik government as among the most authoritarian regimes globally, and Rahmon’s son, Rustam Emomali, chairs the upper house, signaling potential dynastic leadership.
The political opposition in Tajikistan has faced severe repression, notably after the Islamic Renaissance Party was banned in 2015. The Social Democratic Party has struggled to achieve parliamentary representation since its inception in 2002, with leaders subjected to harassment. Following the death of SDP leader Rakhmatillo Zoiirov, who died in May 2024, his deputy and several politicians were imprisoned on dubious charges, indicating systematic repression against dissent.
The lack of transparency surrounding the elections allowed the Tajik government to control the narrative without independent verification. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) canceled its monitoring mission due to concerns over the lack of assurances for international observer accreditation. This absence underscores a troubling trend of growing authoritarianism under Rahmon’s regime.
Media freedoms continue to deteriorate, exemplified by the ban on Radio Ozodi, the last independent media organization in Tajikistan, from covering the elections. Reports of voter fraud surfaced from regional media, with witnesses alleging coercion and manipulation, further compounding concerns about electoral integrity. The environment for civil liberties and independent journalism suggests a troubling erosion of democracy in Tajikistan.
Ultimately, without independent verification or free media presence, the legitimacy of Tajikistan’s elections remains questionable. President Rahmon’s enduring repression of political dissent and freedom severely undermines the viability of holding fair elections, casting doubt on the established electoral outcomes.
The parliamentary elections in Tajikistan, tainted by repression and a lack of transparency, raise significant doubts regarding their legitimacy. The Odious political environment, characterized by the absence of independent oversight, political competition, and media freedom, reveals a stark reality under President Rahmon’s governance. The findings from various organizations and reports underscore the challenges faced by civil society and the limited prospects for democracy within the country.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
