LOYALTY TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE COUNTRY IS LOYALTY TO THE BELOVED HOMELAND
As is well known, on 15 April 2016 the deputies of the Majlisi Namoyandagon (House of Representatives) of the Majlisi Oli (Supreme Assembly) of the Republic of Tajikistan considered and adopted the Government’s proposal to introduce an amendment to the Law of the Republic of Tajikistan “On Holidays,” according to which 16 November is celebrated each year in the country as the Day of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan.
Indeed, the history of many countries shows that the emergence of a national political leader and a recognized state leader is a fundamental necessity during periods of revival and state restoration, as such leadership determines the subsequent course of states and nations. Fortunately, during the most difficult historical moments for the Tajik people, the distinguished son of the nation, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon, began his activity as a wise and far-sighted leader and succeeded in saving the nation and the state from collapse and fragmentation.
Thanks to the leadership of this virtuous, enlightened, and visionary statesman, in the most difficult and complex political, economic, social, and cultural circumstances, a flame of hope for a prosperous future and a достойная life was ignited in the hearts of the people. From the very first days of his leadership, the Head of State was recognized as a leader and guide, the heir and national leader of the Tajik people, and his humanitarian initiatives received support from the international community.
After the 16th Session of the Supreme Council was held in the ancient city of Khujand on 16 November 1992, under extremely difficult and fateful conditions for the Tajik nation, and Emomali Rahmon was elected by deputies as Chairman of the Supreme Council, one of the first tasks deemed necessary to strengthen the foundations of an independent state was to introduce amendments to the country’s Constitution, which were adopted during that session. In 1994, with the adoption of the first Constitution of sovereign Tajikistan through a nationwide referendum and the establishment of a presidential form of government, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon was elected President of the Republic of Tajikistan.
It was precisely with the holding of the 16th Session of the Supreme Council that the Tajik people achieved major milestones. In this context, the Republic of Tajikistan was admitted to membership in a number of international organizations and gained formal recognition. Today we all witness that the constructive and global initiatives of the Head of State on key international issues have received broad support from the world community, becoming a source of pride for every citizen of the country.
The historic Session, through the adoption of 74 normative legal acts, laid the groundwork for restoring the constitutional order of the country and stabilizing Tajikistan’s political, social, economic, and cultural situation. It identified the direction of societal development and the restoration of the disrupted system, and outlined lawful ways to resolve these challenges. It was at that Session that the future of the country was presented as a sovereign, democratic, rule-of-law, secular, and unified republic.
At the 16th Session of the Supreme Council, Emomali Rahmon clearly stated that ending the civil war and returning refugees to the Homeland was among the key tasks. To this end, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon, as the Leader of the proud Tajik nation, repeatedly brought together the parties interested in peace, including in states that participated as observers in the process.
In this process, the contribution of neighboring countries and states that sincerely sought peace for Tajikistan including the Russian Federation, the Islamic Republics of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran, as well as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan was significant. They ensured the security of negotiation groups from both sides within their territories and created the conditions for bilateral talks to be held in an atmosphere of calm and mutual understanding. Given the instability of the political situation in the country at that time, holding such meetings was by no means easy.
Finally, on 27 June 1997 in Moscow, the General Agreement on the Establishment of Peace and National Accord in Tajikistan was signed. This important historical event brought Tajiks to peace and unity and created the foundation for strengthening Tajikistan’s national statehood and modern governance during an extremely complex political period.
When introducing the amendment to the Law of the Republic of Tajikistan “On Holidays” (15 April 2016), deputies of the Majlisi Namoyandagon of the Majlisi Oli of the Republic of Tajikistan stated: “This draft law has been prepared in view of the significant contribution and great services of the Founder of Peace and National Unity – Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon, in shaping the modern statehood of the country, reviving the national state, ensuring peace and unity, and enhancing Tajikistan’s prestige and standing in the international arena.”
According to experts and political analysts, honoring the Day of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan signifies recognition of the key importance of this state institution in safeguarding and advancing national statehood, and serves as a celebration of gratitude and appreciation for the high values of a national and civic state, for which the President of the Republic of Tajikistan acts as the constitutional guarantor. Thus, the Day of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan is a day of pride for every self-aware and patriotic citizen of modern Tajikistan.
Although the country has many national and state celebrations, with rich symbols, traditions, and customs that the people observe in different ways, the Day of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan holds a special place among the noble people of the country. The solemn celebration of this date encourages us to express sincerity and respect toward the Founder of Peace and National Unity – Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon.
The Day of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan is a great nationwide celebration, a symbol of love and loyalty, a triumph of wisdom and popular governance, and an honoring of the Homeland and the nation. Indeed, the revered Leader of the Nation, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon, is recognized as a prominent political figure and a nationwide leader – bringing pride and honor to every resident of Tajikistan and to Tajiks around the world.
Habibova S.S. – PhD (Economics), Associate Professor (Acting), Academic Secretary of the Research Institute for Sustainable Development and Green Economy of the International University of Tourism and Entrepreneurship of Tajikistan
