DUSHANBE, September 20, Asia-Plus – Representatives of the Tajik Association of Reformist Forces (TARF) say local authorities are putting obstacles in their way.

Abduqayum Qayumzod, a spokesman for the TARF that supports lawyer human rights activist Oynihol Bobonazarova as its presidential candidate, says local authorities in the districts of Khuroson, Shahritous and Bokhtar in Khatlon province as well as Tursunzoda (district subordinate to the center) and Dushanbe’s Shohamnsour district demand that Bobonazarova’s campaign staff bring “a certain letter” for stamping the signature collection bulletins.

According to him, local authorities do not say what for they need that letter and from whom this letter must be.

“We have received appropriate bulletins from the Central Commission for Elections and Referenda (CCER) for collecting 210,000 signatures to support our candidate,” said Qayumzod.  “But we need permissive seal from local authorities for collection of signatures.  And they now demand a certain letter.”

We will recall that a coalition of Tajik opposition groups has nominated Oynihol Bobonazarova to be their candidate for president in elections scheduled for November 6.   The TARF made the announcement on September 9.  Bobonazarova''s candidacy was officially recognized by the association on September 10.

Bobonazarova''s program reportedly includes constitutional reforms, namely shortening the presidential term and limiting terms in office to a maximum of two.  Her platform also targets the transfer of some presidential powers to the legislative and executive branches.