DUSHANBE, May 22, 2013, Asia-Plus – Three more persons have announced their intention to quit the initiative group for the formation of a “New Tajikistan” party.  They are Mr. Shavkat Bozorov, the head of the National Association of Managers and Marketing Specialists of Tajikistan Mr. Sanginboy Sanginov, the member of the Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Tajikistan, and Mr. Bakhtiyor Bahodurov, an economist.

Meanwhile, other members of the initiative group say the initiative group itself has asked those persons to leave it.

Earlier, Mr. Jamshed Hofizov, the deputy director of Toj Sokhtmon Bainalmillal and Mr. Abdurahim Aliyev, the head of the Association of Domestic Producers and Entrepreneurs quitted the group.

Currently, the initiative group members include Mr. Zayd Saidov, Mr. Mahmoudjon Qosimov, a lawyer Ms. Mavjouda Sohibnazarova, an independent journalist and Mr. Abdughani Mahmadazimov, the head of the Association of Political Scientists of Tajikistan.

Known Tajik stage director Barzou Abdurazzoqov and Tajik power engineering specialist Ghulomiddin Sayfiddinov have announced their support for the initiative group after the detention of Zayd Saidov.

Dr. Hojimuhammad Umarov, expert on the Tajik economy has also announced his support for the initiative group for the formation of the “New Tajikistan” party.

The formation of a new political party – Tojikistoni Nav (New Tajikistan) – was declared in Dushanbe on April 6.  According to its initiators, the “New Tajikistan” party “is a platform for union of ideas, views, personalities and opportunities for national creation.”

“New Tajikistan” did not position itself as an opposition force, and made it clear it would not be fielding a candidate in this autumn’s election.  Instead, it is the party of pragmatists, innovators, technocrats and professionals focused on the interests of the emerging business class.