Tajik language proficiency becomes mandatory for lawmakers
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 13 June 2012 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Tajik language proficiency becomes mandatory for lawmakers, 13 June 2012, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/4fdb2f6fc.html [accessed 3 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
June 13, 2012
DUSHANBE – Tajikistan's parliament has approved new amendments to the country's election laws, making it mandatory for lawmakers to be able to speak Tajik fluently.
The new changes stipulate that without fluency in Tajik no one can stand as a candidate in local or national elections.
It remains unclear whether nominees will be required to pass language tests to qualify for elections.
Tajik media and the State Language Committee have repeatedly criticized what they call lawmakers and officials' inability to speak "pure" Tajik as well as their tendency to even deliver even official speeches in their local dialects instead.
Since 2009, proficiency in Tajik has become mandatory for all state employees.
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
