Dushanbe ( AsiaNews / Agencies) - As widely expected, the President of Tajikistan Emomali Rakhmon was re-elected to lead the country. This is his fourth consecutive term, won with a majority of 83.6 % of the vote. Rakhmon was first elected in 1994 and will maintain in this position until 2020. The opposition denounces "intimidation" against the other 4 candidates, but so far none have appealed against the results of the polls.
86.6 % of those eligible to vote cast their ballots, almost 4 million people out of a population of 8 million . The main opponent, the Communist Party candidate Ismoil Talbakov, did not exceed 5 % of the vote. The only possible rival in a competition the outcome of which was already taken for granted was the human rights activist Oinikhol Bobonazarova, who however did not reach the quorum of signatures required to submit an application. His party, the Islamic Revival, accused president Rakhmon of having interfered by restraining his supporters.
Tajikistan is located below the Pamir mountains, bordered by China and Afghanistan, and strategically important especially in view of the withdrawal of American troops from Kabul . However, endemic poverty and the chronic lack of energy severely affect the population, with many forced to move to Russia to work .
