FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Vienna, Austria – Freedom for Eurasia (FfE) strongly condemns the Tajik government’s failure to provide the necessary accreditation and conditions for the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) to conduct its parliamentary election observation mission. This forced cancellation is deeply regrettable, highlighting the regime’s blatant disregard for international standards and its commitment to suppressing any meaningful opposition. The upcoming election, conducted under these circumstances, will undoubtedly result in a rubber-stamp parliament devoid of genuine representation.
This action not only represents a setback for Tajikistan’s democratic development but also sends a dangerous signal to other authoritarian regimes in the region and beyond. It demonstrates that a lack of political will on the part of the government can effectively undermine international efforts to promote free and fair elections.
FfE echoes the ODIHR’s concerns and reiterates its call for the Tajik government to uphold its international commitments regarding democratic principles. A genuine commitment to democracy necessitates:
- Respect for fundamental freedoms of expression, association, and assembly.
- A level playing field for all political parties and candidates.
- An independent and impartial electoral process.
- Transparency and accountability in all electoral activities.
The upcoming election, conducted under the current circumstances, will further entrench authoritarian rule and stifle any hope for genuine political pluralism in Tajikistan. This represents a critical moment for the international community to stand firmly against this regression. Freedom for Eurasia calls for concerted international pressure on Tajikistan to uphold democratic norms and ensure that future elections meet minimum international standards for free and fair electoral processes. This is a new low for #Tajikistan as @osce_odihr cancels the parliamentary election observation mission after the government failed to fulfill the conditions necessary for it to function. The election will take place with the opposition suppressed, resulting in a rubber-stamp parliament.
