Tajikistan’s Upcoming Election: A Mechanism for Power Consolidation

The general election in Tajikistan on March 2nd is expected to be undemocratic, serving primarily to strengthen President Emomali Rahmon’s leadership. With his party holding three-quarters of the parliamentary seats and the other parties supporting him, true political diversity appears absent.

The upcoming election in Tajikistan, scheduled for March 2nd, is anticipated to be far from a democratic exercise. Instead, it is expected to serve as a mechanism for President Emomali Rahmon to reinforce his authority. Rahmon’s party, the People’s Democratic Party of Tajikistan, currently dominates the parliament with three-quarters of the seats and is poised to secure a substantial majority in the upcoming general election.

The significance of this majority is diminished, as the other five parties involved in the election will likely endorse Rahmon, supporting his title of “Founder of Peace and National Unity and Leader of the Nation.” This set-up suggests a lack of true political diversity or opposition within the electoral framework, reinforcing the narrative of an undemocratic process.

In summary, the March 2nd general election in Tajikistan is unlikely to reflect democratic principles, instead functioning as a tool for President Emomali Rahmon to maintain his grip on power. The overwhelming dominance of his party and the support from other political entities indicates a systematic eradication of political opposition, solidifying his title and authority within the nation.

Original Source: www.economist.com