DUSHANBE, February 22, 20110, Asia-Plus  -- President’s proposal to confirm candidacy of Shermuhammad Shohiyon for chairman of the Central Commission for Elections and Referenda (CCER) is the last chance to promote development of democracy in Tajikistan, Umarali Hisaynov, deputy chairman of the Islamic Revival Party (IRP) also member of the Majlisi Namoyandagon (Tajikistan’s lower chamber of parliament), said in an interview with Asia-Plus.

According to him, the fact that Shohiyon is younger than his predecessor Mirzoali Boltuyev and professional lawyer being aware of processes taking place in democratic countries of the world gives hope to him.  “But if he continues policy of Mirzoali Boltuyev it is safe to say that Tajikistan ought not to spend efforts and funds for holding elections in the future any more,” the IRP official noted.

In the meantime, Ms. Galiya Rabiyeva, member of faction of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) within the Majlisi Namoyandagon, noted that Shermuhammad Shohiyon was a skilled lawyer.  “He never gives in to his emotions and can adopt unbiased and compromise decision in any circumstances,” she said.

The Majlisi Namoyandagon press service says a regular sitting of second session of the Majlisi Namoyandagon of the fourth convocation that will be held on February 23 will consider candidacy of Shohiyon for the CCER chairman.

We will recall that Mirzoali Boltuyev has headed the Central Commission for Elections and Referenda for fifteen years – since 1996.  Two presidential (in 999 and 2006) and three parliamentary (2000, 2005, and 2010) have been held in the country over this period.