7 Nov 2013 13:26

Tajik presidential polls lacked pluralism - Western observers

DUSHANBE. Nov 7 (Interfax) - The November 6 presidential election in Tajikistan proceeded in a quiet atmosphere, but the polls lacked competition and any real choice, election observers representing the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly and the European Parliament said in a joint statement on Thursday.

The presidential elections proceeded peacefully in Tajikistan on November 6, but restrictions that accompanied the candidates' registration resulted in the absence of pluralism and any real choice, according to the statement.