HOW WE CAN HELP THE TAJIK ELECTION COMMISSION PREPARE FOR

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 DUSHANBE 002228 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR SCA/CEN, ECA/PE/V/N/E E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL PHUM KPOA KDEM TI SUBJECT: HOW WE CAN HELP THE TAJIK ELECTION COMMISSION PREPARE FOR 2010 ¶1. (U) This is an Action cable. See Paragraphs 5 and 9. ¶2. (U) Without the pressure of an upcoming election and with the international spotlight shining elsewhere, we have an unusual opportunity to engage Tajikistan's Central Commission for Elections and Referenda. The CCER would like to maintain the momentum of the technical assistance, poll worker and voter education they received prior to the November 6 presidential election, but will need help doing so. The United States could further our democracy goals by arranging an International Visitor exchange program for commission members, giving them long-term experience and exposure to western election procedures and encouraging them to continue their reforms. We can also send high-level visitors, for example to an upcoming March conference, to convey the message that democracy is about more than elections. ¶3. (U) A little over one month after the presidential election, the CCER is already planning for future elections. Although the next nation-wide elections will be for parliament in 2010, two districts in Tajikistan will hold local elections for chairmen in February 2007. Deputy Commisstion Chairman Muhibulloh Dodojonov thanked Poloff December 11 for Embassy and U.S. government support leading up to the presidential election and discussed the CCER's future strategies. ¶4. (U) Dodojonov admitted that he was not completely satisfied with the recent election process; however, noted that procedurally the election was an improvement from the 2005 parliamentary election. He pointed out the OSCE preliminary election report's main concerns were political issues, not technical problems. However, Dodojonov also understood that the CCER is in the position to change some elections regulations that will also resolve certain political problems, for example, by giving candidates more media access. He hoped there will be some legislative changes to the Tajik constitution before the next election. International organizations criticized the constitutional requirement that all presidential candidates acquire signatures from five percent of the electorate in order to formally run, a requirement considered too high. The CCER is noting all criticisms and will attempt to address them. ¶5. (U) In March 2007, the CCER in conjunction with the Center for Strategic Studies, Tajikistan's premier think-tank, will host an international conference to discuss the presidential election results. The organizers will invite international experts to comment. Dodojonov invited the United States to suggest and send speakers to the conference. ACTION REQUEST: This presents another unique opportunity for the Department to send Tajikistan a strong message emphasizing our support for their democratic reforms by sending an official visitor, perhaps a Deputy Assistant Secretary from SCA or DRL, to speak at the conference. Alternately, the Department could propose or fund an outside speaker for this conference. ¶6. (U) In addition, by March, the CCER will have drafted a comprehensive plan proposing legislative changes and practical reforms needed prior to the next election. The commission aims to use the plan in order to solicit donor support. Concurrently, the CCER is working with the local NGO "Bureau on Human Rights and Rule of Law" to draft requests for funding on election reform projects. The CCER also aims to compile a textbook that will serve as an election go-to guide. ¶7. (U) Dodojonov recognized that Tajik election officials need to be better trained on how to conduct democratically sound and transparent elections. He requested the United States send CCER officials to the United States, Canada or Europe to observe elections within the next year so that upon returning to Tajikistan, they have time to prepare and implement changes for the 2010 parliamentary election. ¶8. (SBU) COMMENT: Dodojonov is the behind-the-scenes brains of the CCER. The commission's chairman Mirzoali Boltuyev is increasingly serving as a figurehead. Undoubtedly, Dodojonov's good working relationships with international organizations and NGOs has taught him that in order to make real democratic and election reforms in Tajikistan, the CCER needs to start early. END COMMENT. ¶9. (U) ACTION REQUEST: To take advantage of this unique DUSHANBE 00002228 002 OF 002 opportunity to strengthen democratic process without the pressure of an election looming, post requests funding for five additional slots for FY 2007 International Visitor programs, as a single country or regional program, to continue training election officials. This could be an opportunity for Tajik and Afghan officials to participate in a Farsi-language exchange together. END COMMENT. JACOBSON