One-Horse Race

There is little to suggest that the incumbent president, Imomali Rakhmonov, will face a difficult challenge in the November elections. Not only does Rakhmonov have a tight grip over media outlets and big business, but the opposition seems unable to join forces behind a single candidate. We do not expect a surprise at the polls, which are unlikely to meet international standards of true democracy, but also believe there is little prospect of mass public unrest and violence.

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