DUSHANBE, March 3, 2010, Asia-Plus  -- The Islamic Revival Party (IRPT) has decided to withdraw from the Public Council of Tajikistan as a token of protest against the official results of the February 28 parliamentary elections in the country.

IRPT leader Muhiddin Kabiri stated this today at a meeting of IRPT’s board in Dushanbe today.  He noted that IRPT would file lawsuits over widespread fraud and procedural irregularities in the counting phase registered on election day.

“Proceedings from courts decisions, we will make decision on our further actions,” said IRPT leader, “If courts verdicts are unfair, we may organize public actions of protest, demonstrations and other actions within the framework of Tajikistan’s legislation.”

We will recall that the Public Council of Tajikistan was established in April 1996 on the basis of the Public Accord Agreement signed first on March 9, 1996 for the period of three years by pro-government political parties and NGOs in a show of support for the peace process.  It was prolonged for further three years in 1999.

The Public Council now comprises representatives of state bodies, political parties, religious organizations and civil society.  Seven of eight officially registered political parties of the country are represented in the Public Council.  The Public Council established the Social partnership Club, which brings together some 70 representatives of the Public Council to discuss and find consensus on pressing social issues.