Tajikistan faces a crucial presidential election on October 11, with incumbent Emomali Rahmon -- in power since 1992 -- once again on the ballot. Although there are four other candidates competing, observers in the country say the whole exercise is to present a facade that the election has legitimate competition.
With the only opposition party functioning inside the country, the Social Democratic Party, boycotting the polls, Rahmon is clearly the favorite to win a sixth term in office. There is significant speculation within Tajikistan that Rahmon is grooming his son, Rustam Emomali, as his successor, when and if he decides to step down.
With Tajikistan facing severe economic challenges, due to a dramatic decrease in remittances from Tajik migrant workers in Russia. and a growing domestic crackdown against civil society, independent media and the opposition, stakes are high as people heads to polls.
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As one of the few remaining independent news organizations in Tajikistan, RFE/RL’s Tajik Service, Radioi Ozodi has been providing audiences in Tajikistan comprehensive multimedia coverage of the campaign in both the Tajik and Russian languages.
RFE/RL journalists are available to provide expert analysis about the election before, during and after the polls:
· Salimjon Aioubov, RFE/RL Tajik Service Director (English, Russian, Tajik)
Aioubovs@rferl.org -- phone: +420.221.122.325
· Sirojiddin Tolibov, RFE/RL Tajik Service Managing Editor (English, Russian, Tajik)
Tolibovs@rferl.org -- phone: +420.221.122.333
· Bruce Pannier, RFE/RL Sr. Central Asia Correspondent (English, Russian)
Pannierb@rferl.org -- phone: +420.221.123.606
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Find RFE/RL Experts at https://pressroom.rferl.org/experts
To schedule an interview with any of RFE/RL's experts, contact Muhammad Tahir (tahirm@rferl.org; +1.202.740.0603) in Washington DC.
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