Tajikistan - March 2025

Tajikistan held elections for the Assembly of Representatives on 2 March in which the ruling People’s Democratic Party maintained control of the parliament, winning 49 of 63 seats and 52.5 per cent of votes. The Central Commission for Elections and Referendums reported 85.4 per cent turnout, a marginal decrease from 86.4 per cent in the previous election. Data on women’s representation in the new parliament was not yet available as of 7 April. The elections were the first since 1995 without international observers, as the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) cancelled its planned participation on 4 February, citing the failure of Tajik authorities to accredit the observation team. No national or international independent media outlets were accredited.

Sources: The Diplomat, Times of Central Asia, Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe

Tajikistan’s 2 March parliamentary election was the first held since 1995 without international election observers. The OSCE ODIHR election observation mission withdrew its staff from the country in February after failing to receive accreditation. Independent media were also unable to gain accreditation and cover the election as, contrary to election law, media accreditation processes were not publicly announced and there was no opportunity to apply. Past election observation missions have consistently been highly critical of Tajikistan’s tightly controlled electoral contests and the government’s practice of barring all real opposition from participating. The government provided no public rationale for further restricting an already heavily restricted electoral environment, but the moves could be part of an attempt by 72-year-old President Emomali Rahmon, who has ruled the country since 1992, to close off any space for dissent as he prepares to hand over power to his son, Rustam Emomali.

Sources: The Diplomat, Times of Central Asia, Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe