DUSHANBE, September 25, Asia-Plus -- President Emomali Rahmonov, nominated as a candidate for the November 6 presidential election, thanked the delegates of the ninth PDPT congress for the nomination and said that presidential elections in Tajikistan should be competitive.

Addressing the congress, Rahmonov said “It is not only confidence, but it is also an immense responsibility.” 

”I have decided to run in the upcoming presidential election,” Rahmonov said, noting that the PDPT has much to improve the people’s quality of life. 

He termed energy, food security and communications, as well as further advancing the democratic rule-of-law and secular society as the strategically important tasks for foreseeable future. 

On the economy, Rahmonov pointed to the necessity of strengthening the exchange rate of the local currency, the somoni, and improving the banking system, supporting the development of small and medium-sized businesses, raising the country’s export potential, drumming up local and foreign investments, introducing modern technologies, full-cycle processing of raw materials inside the country and production of products from aluminum and precious metals. 

Rahmonov said energy is the most important component in the development of Tajikistan’s economy and that it is necessary to speed up development of that sector. He also pointed out the importance of the construction of roads and bridge and enhancement of other transportation infrastructure.

In the agrarian sector, Rahmonov underlined the importance of dealing with cotton farmers’ debts. 

Speaking about the social sphere, he outlined the importance of the development of science and of drawing young scientists into research in the physical and natural sciences. 

Rahmonov also pointed to the necessity of strict observance of laws. He stressed that there are two factors contributing to a decline in Tajikistan’s prestige on international arena: corruption and trafficking in persons. ”The fight against these phenomena should be the work of the whole society, Rahmonov stated, reiterating the necessity of stopping drug trafficking, terrorism and extremism. 

Rahmonov said that presidential election should be competitive.  "The presidential election should be fair, free, democratic and truly contested," he said.  “I call on other candidates to fight for achieving their goals only within the limits of law, observing the principle of mutual respect.”