DUSHANBE, June 15, 2015, Asia-Plus -- The law providing for tightening control over financial resources of political parties should apply to the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as well, the Communist Party of Tajikistan (CPT) leader Shodi Shabdolov told Asia-Plus in an interview.

CPT leader stressed that nobody knows from what financial sources numerous offices and vehicles of the ruling party are paid.  “Nobody knows from what financial sources PDP leaders’ wages are paid,” Shabdolov noted.

“If control is established over financial resources of political parties in the country, it must be equal for all,” CPT leader said.

According to him, political parties of independent states must not be financed from abroad, “because the main goal of any political party is to come to power and coming to power must not be carried out at foreign sponsors’ expense.”

Shabdolov further noted that the Ministry of Justice was authorized to control political parties’ activities.

“Meanwhile, local authorities violate the countries legislation demanding lists of members of political parties’ organizations in the regions,” CPT leader said.

At the same time, Shabdolov noted that increasing administrative pressure on political parties would lead to no good.

“It is very dangerous trend when pressure is made on political parties for criticism of activities of the government or the president,” CPT leader added.

Meanwhile, the deputy leader of the Islamic Revival Party (IRP), Mahmadali Hayit, says he does not see anything bad in tightening of control over financial resources of political parties “if this control does not create any obstacles in the way of activities of political parties in the country.”

We will recall that the board (Shuro) of Tajikistan’s lower house (Majlisi Namoyandagon) of parliament discussed a draft law on amendments to the country’s law on political parties at a June 15 meeting.

Olim Salimzoda, Head of the Majlisi Namoyandagon Committee on International Cooperation, Public Associations and Information, says the draft law on amendments to the country’s law on political partiers was aimed at, first of all, strengthening state control over financing of political parties.  “The main objective of strengthening of the state control over financial resources of political parties is in preventing money laundering and terrorism financing,” the parliamentarian said.