DUSHANBE, October 4, Asia-Plus - “After the presidential election we plan to hold a congress of the party to make changes in its rules,” said Tabarali Ziyoyev, the Democratic Party (DPT) candidate for president in an interview with Asia-Plus.

According to him, the present DPT rules are like those of the Communist Party. 

”Now, when we steer the party, we head for reviving it and we will do all in our power for this,” said Ziyoyev. “The former leadership of the party has driven it to impasse and there has been unanimity in its ranks.  The former managing board has taken liberties with assessing the authenticity of signatures for the convocation of an extraordinary congress even though they are not specialists in this field, and the party’s rule do not give them such a right.”

However, Tabarali Ziyoyev does not rule out the possibility of the Jumaboy Niyozov-run wing of the party joining them. 

Ziyoyev that the DPT intends to hold right-central position in the country and promote further development of democratic society. 

Asked about the progress of collection of 160,000 signatures needed to register as candidate, Ziyoyev said the collection of signatures is under way and it is going on successfully. ”I have not expected such results,” said the DPT candidate. “I believe we will get enough signature.”  At the same time, he declined to say how many signatures they have collected so far. 

According to Ziyoyev, at present he is working on his election program. He noted that he will inform of main aspects of the program only after October 12, when the Central Commission for Elections and Referenda (CCER) will register his candidacy. 

The Ministry of Justice recognized Sobirov as the leader of the Democratic Party (DPT) on September 29.  A congress held by Sobirov’s supporters on September 17 nominated Tabarali Ziyoyev as a candidate in the November 6 presidential election, which was also recognized as legitimate.