DUSHANBE, December 18, 2015, Asia-Plus /Avaz Yuldoshev/ -- The Order of the Leader of the Nation and the Leader of the Nation Award have been established in Tajikistan.

The fourth session of Majlisi Milli (Tajikistan’s upper house of parliament) of the fifth convocation that took place here on December 18 seconded that law “On Founder of Peace and Accord – Leader of the Nation,” which designated the incumbent President Emomali Rahmon “the Leader of the Nation.”

Speaking at the session, Rector of Tajik National University, Muhammadyusuf Imomzoda, noted that giving President Emomali Rahmon the title “Leader of the Nation” “is reflection of love of the people to its glorious son.”

According to him, the law has nothing to do with authoritarianism and personality cult. 

Imomzoda further added that the law also provided for establishing the Order of the Leader of the Nation and the Leader of the Nation Award in the country.

Majlisi Milli Speaker Mahmadsaid Ubaidulloyev, for his part, noted that “nobody in Tajikistan loves this country and this people more than Emomali Rahmon.”

Since both chambers of parliament are dominated by government supporters, member of Majlisi Milli unanimously voted to approve the bill.

We will recall that Majlisi Namoyandagon (Tajikistan’s lower chamber of parliament) endorsed the bill designating Rahmon the “leader of the nation” on December 9.

The bill titled “On Founder of Peace and Accord – Leader of the Nation” was worked out by a group of deputies of Majlisi Namoyandagon.

The law officially designates Rahmon “the founder of peace and national unity of Tajikistan” and states that he cannot be prosecuted for anything he has done while in office.

The law also determines powers of the Leader and stipulates that he will be provided with transport, dwelling and social benefits after leaving the presidency.

Besides, the law gives Rahmon the right to appeal to the nation and participate in important government events and address them after leaving the presidency.

The law also provides for creating archives, library and museum of the leader of the nation.