Tajikistan held parliamentary elections on March 2, 2024, under the long-standing rule of Emomali Rahmon, who claimed victory for his party amid a lack of independent oversight. The elections were criticized for insufficient competition and repression of opposition, as well as media restrictions. Observers noted serious irregularities, leading to questions about the elections’ legitimacy amid increasing authoritarianism.
Tajikistan, Central Asia’s poorest nation bordering Afghanistan, conducted parliamentary elections on March 2nd. Emomali Rahmon, who has presided over the country since 1992 and leads the People’s Democratic Party of Tajikistan, claimed victory by winning 49 of the 63 parliamentary seats. However, the elections faced criticism due to the significant absence of international oversight, as Western observers were largely prohibited from monitoring the elections.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization, guided by China and Russia, declared the elections as “transparent, credible, and democratic,” with Beijing aligning with this narrative, calling the process democratic, open, transparent, and inclusive. Nonetheless, such assertions are misleading and inconsistent with the actual conditions present during the elections.
Tajikistan’s electoral environment lacked genuine political competition, as all participating parties were aligned with Rahmon. Over thirty years, Rahmon has systematically dismantled political opposition, solidifying a state-run political scene characterized by unwavering loyalty to his regime. In addition, his son, Rustam Emomali, heads the upper house of parliament, hinting at a potential dynastic succession that would further entrench the existing power structure. Freedom House categorizes Tajikistan’s governance as one of the world’s most authoritarian systems.
The political landscape has further deteriorated since the government’s ban on the Islamic Renaissance Party in 2015, leading to the decimation of opposition forces. The Social Democratic Party, established in 2002, has been unable to secure seats in parliament and its representatives face ongoing persecution. Following the death of former leader Rakhmatillo Zoiirov in May 2024, his deputy Shokirjon Khakimov, along with other politicians, was imprisoned on charges of attempting to overthrow the government. Khakimov received an 18-year sentence, exacerbating the already detrimental political climate.
Moreover, the Tajik government has been known to arrest individuals deemed threats to its authority. Recent reports reveal that many detainees face secretive trials with little transparency regarding the evidence against them. The lack of independent verification for election results was alarming, exacerbated by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) cancelling its monitoring mission for the first time since 2000, citing concerns over adherence to observer accreditation standards.
Human rights expert Steve Swerdlow noted that this cancellation symbolizes a shift toward increased authoritarianism under Rahmon’s regime. Additionally, the restriction of independent media outlets has contributed to the suppression of dissenting voices and an opaque election process. Reporters Without Borders ranked Tajikistan 155th out of 180 nations in its 2024 World Press Freedom Index, highlighting a dire situation for press freedoms. Some independent regional sources indicated irregularities during the elections, including reports of coercion and potential voter fraud.
In summary, Tajikistan’s elections lacked independence due to the absence of international monitors and media oversight, reinforcing Emomali Rahmon’s oppressive regime. The government’s ongoing repression of political opposition and media freedoms severely undermines any prospects for free and fair elections. Consequently, the authenticity of the electoral results remains highly questionable.
In conclusion, Tajikistan’s parliamentary elections were deeply flawed, characterized by an absence of independent media and monitoring. Emomali Rahmon’s decades-long suppression of political opposition and media liberties raises significant doubts regarding the legitimacy of these elections. The reported irregularities and the absence of impartial oversight contribute to an ongoing authoritarian regime, casting a dark shadow over the possibility of democratic progress in Tajikistan.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
