Rahmon nominated for President of Tajikistan by ruling party

AKIPRESS.COM - People's Democratic Party of Tajikistan nominated incumbent President Emomali Rahmon as presidential candidate at the congress on September 3.
Abdurahmon Honov, head of the executive committee of the People's Democratic Party, told Tajik service of RFE/RL that more than 1,000 attended the congress of the party. Nomination of a presidential candidate and approval of the program were the main issues on the agenda of the party congress.
People's Democratic Party of Tajikistan was founded in December 1994 and was initially called the People's Party. In 1998, President Emomali Rahmon was elected leader of the party and the party changed its title to the People's Democratic Party. Among 4 million voters of Tajikistan more than 15% - half a million - are members of the ruling party. Opposition members say this was possible due to power abuse.
Rahmon was earlier nominated as presidential candiate by the Federation of Independent Trade Unions and the Youth Union.
Other presidential candidates include Rustam Latifzoda (Agrarian Party), Abduhalim Gafforov (Socialist Party), Saidjafar Usmonzoda (Democratic Party), Rustam Rahmatzoda (Party of Economic Reforms). The only opposition Social-Democratic Party of Tajikistan boycots the presidential elections, calling them anticonstitutional, unlawful and against citizens of the country.
The presidential elections in Tajikistan are scheduled for October 11. This will be the 6th presidential elections since Tajikistan gained sovereignty.
Rahmon remains the President of Tajikistan for the last 28 years.