First meeting on constitutional amendments in Tajikistan

Nearly three months after the signing of the Tajik Peace Agreement, which set the scene for reconciliation after five years of civil war, the meeting addressed the need to amend the Constitution.

Participants included 12 members of the CNR from legal and political sub-commissions, government officials, representatives of various university law faculties, the United Nations Mission of Observers in Tajikistan, the International Committee of the Red Cross, as well as legal and constitutional experts.

Debate revolved around three main issues:

1. the structure of the future national Parliament 
2. the nature of the future electoral system 
3. defining legislative, executive and judicial powers in the Constitution

A wide range of views emerged on these issues. All participants agreed that the future Parliament should be professional, with permanent sessions. On the issue of its structure, there were diverging views as to whether the Parliament should have one or two chambers. Participants agreed to hold a second meeting to enable them to submit proposals in preparation of amending the Constitution.

According to the General Agreement, the CNR, together with the President of the Republic, was to work out proposals for amendments and additions to the existing Constitution and submit them to a national referendum.