On November 6, 1994, the Republic of Tajikistan adopted a Constitution that was supposed to symbolize justice, freedom, and the sovereignty of the people.
However, today this date serves as a reminder of how the country’s Fundamental Law was repeatedly amended to benefit a single individual — the dictator Rahmonov.
The Constitution of Tajikistan has been “reformed” at his initiative three times:
- September 26, 1999
- June 22, 2003
- May 22, 2016
These amendments were not made for the benefit of the state or its citizens, but to prolong personal rule and abolish the limitation on presidential terms.
Violations of Constitutional Principles
1. Article 6 (The People as the Sole Source of Power)
“The people are the only source of state power.”
In reality, power belongs not to the people, but to a narrow circle around the ruling family.
Elections are neither free nor fair, and their outcomes are predetermined.
2. Article 9 (Separation of Powers)
“State power is divided into legislative, executive, and judicial branches.”
In practice, all three branches are concentrated under the command of one person — Rahmonov.
The courts are not independent, and parliament does not represent the people, but merely follows orders.
3. Article 14 (Equality Before the Law)
“All citizens are equal before the law.”
Yet the law is enforced harshly against ordinary citizens, while relatives and associates of those in power remain untouchable.
The police, prosecution, and judiciary function as instruments of pressure, not as defenders of rights.
4. Article 30 (Freedom of Speech and the Press)
“Freedom of speech and media is guaranteed.”
But in practice:
- Television and radio are fully state-controlled,
- Independent journalists are persecuted and imprisoned,
- The internet is censored, and society lives under fear.
5. Article 65 (Limitation of Presidential Terms)
— the provision that was eliminated.
Before the amendments of 2003 and 2016, the Constitution stated:
“The President may not hold office for more than two terms.”
This safeguard was abolished specifically for Rahmonov.
In other words, the Constitution was rewritten for one man — not for the people.
From the People’s Law to a Tool of Power Retention
A law meant to protect justice and safeguard the nation has been turned into a personal instrument of authoritarian control.
While the citizen:
- suffers from poverty,
- is forced to migrate in search of work,
- is deprived of judicial fairness,
the Constitution no longer serves society.
The People Deserve Genuine Statehood
Today our society needs:
- stable and inviolable laws,
- truly independent courts,
- free media capable of holding power accountable,
- a government responsible to its citizens — not eternal rule by one individual.
Silence is Betrayal of the Future
If we remain silent in the face of constitutional violations,
then tomorrow our children will live in a country without rights and without hope.
The trust of the people in the state is the true wealth of a nation.
Once destroyed, no referendum can restore it.
