Democracy in Tajikistan The ballot Box. The symbol of the democratic process. Posters and bill board slogans have advertised the coming elections at the end of February.

Polling Station Number 2

Here, as in the West, schools will be the polling stations on election day. Here at Polling Station number 2 everything has been made ready for polling day.

Workmen laboured constructing the polling booths. These are of wooden constructions. There is a cloth covering so that the ballot can be private. Each booth has a  table for resting the ballot paper. This has a cloth covering. The area outside the booth is carpeted. The Tajik flag stands side by side with the ballot box. Is this a symbolic message of solidarity with democratic ideals?

On Polling day International observers will monitor the election.

I spoke with the officials who are enthusiastic about this important step in the Republic's history.

Everything is ready for the election.