Tajik Opposition Calls For Election Rerun

Tajik President Imomali Rakhmonov's party dominated the elections (file photo) 4 March 2005 (RFE/RL) -- Four opposition parties in Tajikistan have submitted their list of complaints to election officials. The parties are calling on the election commission to declare the 27 February's parliamentary elections null and void and to hold new elections.

The leader of the Communist Party of Tajikistan, Shadi Shabdalov, today told RFE/RL that the list documents over 80 cases of alleged voting irregularities: "Since our complaint, there were many rumors accusing us of not submitting specific cases. We have now given a list of 85 documents of irregularities in the process of elections."

The deputy head of the Central Election Commission, Muhibullo Dodajoanov, confirmed receiving the complaints but said the list does not include specific legal irregularities.

Earlier today, the European Union said it agrees with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe's assessment of the vote -- that it fell short of international democratic standards.

(RFE/RL's Tajik Service)