DUSHANBE, December 20, 2012, Asia-Plus  -- The Central Commission for Elections and Referenda (CCER) considered issues related to preparations for presidential election due in November 2013 at a December 20 meeting, presided over by its head, Shermuhammad Shohiyon.

A source at CCER says the meeting endorsed directions for electoral commissions at polling stations and constituencies on holding election of the President of Tajikistan and rules of considering applications and complaints.

The meeting reportedly also reviewed the results of the past year’s work and endorsed the plan of work for 2013.

The President of the Republic of Tajikistan is elected by national vote for the seven year term.  The President is also a Commander in Chief of the National Army.

Incumbent President Emomali Rahmon won a third term in office in November 2006 by capturing more than 79% of the total vote.

The president, who is directly elected, is both the head of state and the head of government. The president appoints the prime minister and all the members of the government, with parliamentary approval.  Tajikistan held a constitutional referendum on June 22, 2003 and the 2003 Constitution, among other amendments, set a limit of two seven-year terms for the president.

Emomali Rahmon''s election to the office of the president in 2006 counts as his first 7-year term under the 2003 Constitution, and in principle he may be re-elected for a second term in 2013, remaining in office until 2020.