Tajik Opposition Candidate Would Lead Only For 'Transition Period'

Tajik presidential candidate Oinihol Bobonazarova

Tajikistan's first female presidential candidate says that, if elected, she would lead the country only for a transition period while reforms are implemented.

Lawyer and human rights defender Oinihol Bobonazarova was proposed as a presidential candidate in the November 6 poll by the opposition Union of Reformist Forces of Tajikistan on September 9.

The union includes the Party of the Islamic Renaissance and the Social Democratic Party.

On September 10, Bobonazarova's candidacy was officially recognized by the union.

Hikmatullo Saifulozoda of the Party of the Islamic Renaissance said on September 10 that Bobonazarova's program includes constitutional reforms, namely shortening the presidential term from five to four years and limiting terms in office to a maximum of two.

Her platform also targets the transfer of some presidential powers to the legislative and executive branches.


With reporting by Interfax