Tajikistan: New dynasty unleashed

Tajikistan is changing fast. On 23 May 2016 Radio Free Europe published the results of the 22 May referendum. The Tajik Central Election Commission says the 41 proposed amendments to the constitution won the support of 94.5 percent of voters, while turnout was 92 percent. The amendments include eliminating the term limit for Rahmon and lowering the age of eligibility to become president from 35 to 30 - a change that could position Rahmon's 29-year-old son, Rustam Emomali, for early succession. They also included a ban on forming political parties based on religion. Radio Free Europe further reported on 29 May 2016 that Ozoda Rahmon, the 38-year-old daughter of President Emomali Rahmon, has been elected as a senator in the country's upper chamber of parliament. Rolf Zeegers, persecution analyst at World Watch Research, concludes that a new dynasty has been established in Tajikistan: "Not only can the current president, Emomali Rahmon, continue in power until his death, but the path has also been set out to ensure that at least two of his children will play a prominent role in the country"s political future. But there is also a strong link with the past: the data surrounding the 22 May referendum is a great reminder of the time of the Soviet Union - a turnout of 92% of the voters, of whom 94.5% approve. All these developments give clear signals to Christians in the country: a more restrictive regime is being created that limits the freedom of religion further and further. For Christians, Tajikistan is heading the wrong way."