Comments on: OSCE Elections Watchdog Assesses Conditions for Presidential Elections in Tajikistan

By: Salam

Salam — Thu, 19 Oct 2006 20:34:52 +0000

Let the country breath!!! We need some consistency and to recover from the war we had. We don�t need another revolution! Rahmonov is trying hard � in a very diplomatic way � the tax system is OK (its not perfect but it good, some industrial development is underway, example the hydro electro stations, working how to be independent from the gas from neighboring countries, etc the ministries are changed � every time with the hope that a better/more professional person will be in charged. Most importantly we have more democracy than in some of our neighboring countries � again everything is not perfect but it OK for start. We need to be patient; we cannot have the western type of developed society in just a 10 years time. Only 10 years time � can you imagine. we the citizens should be responsible. Work harder, The only thing worrying me it�s the education system - girls are not attending schools as in soviet time and the quality is not as high as it should be or its bad altogether � this is one of the priority areas. Instead of playing politics (un professionally) we should focus on these type of issues. Thanks, wa Salam

By: patriot

patriot — Sun, 08 Oct 2006 08:03:02 +0000

there will be yet another useless election with a predictable outcome and yet another useless osce report declaring them inconsistent with international standards, and rakhmonov yet again emerging victorious. i don’t quite see the use of osce election observation missions. they become as predictable as the elections themselves, there is nothing new to read in their reports. their observations are a waste of time and money. europeans and the rest of the international community would do well to have a united front on their humanitarian policies and stipulate those to tajik govt’s commitment to political changes. until they do this, nothing will change in taj. humanitarian and development assistance is a huge carrot in the hands of international community. all they got to do is get their shit together and apply real pressure on rakhmonov instead of distributing gratuitous observation reports.

By: James

James — Sat, 07 Oct 2006 23:23:30 +0000

Thanks for the clarification! I assume from your other posts, however, that you see the possibility of that political will existing on the part of the ruling regime to be basically nil.

By: Alexander Sadikov

Alexander Sadikov — Sat, 07 Oct 2006 11:05:55 +0000

James,

What I mean is that Rakhmonov’s administration can conduct free and fair election, in line with all international standards and commitments, if they are willing to do so. Elections in Armenia show that even with terrible election legislation in place, the country can run pretty good and transparent elections.

So, I mean that the political will should exist on the part of Rakhmonov.

By: Global Voices Online » Blog Archive » Tajikistan: Election Assessment

Global Voices Online » Blog Archive » Tajikistan: Election Assessment — Sat, 07 Oct 2006 00:24:24 +0000

[…] Alexander Sadikov discusses the OSCE’s assessment of the environment in which Tajikistan’s presidential election will take place. […]

By: James

James — Fri, 06 Oct 2006 15:22:10 +0000

These shortcomings will not necessarily hinder conduct of free and fair election. Political will is what ensures conducting very democratic and transparent elections in the most undemocratic conditions.

Are you referring to political will on the part of the opposition parties, or the president? Are you saying that given adequate political willpower, the corruption is irrelevant because the opposition will not tolerate the adverse conditions, or because Rakhmonov has the ability to ensure a fair election despite the corruption in his own country?

I’m not sure I quite understand the your point in the last paragraph, but am interested in any clarification you could provide.