President of Tajikistan facts for kids

Quick facts for kids President of the Republic of Tajikistan
Presidential standard
Incumbent Emomali Rahmon since 16 November 1994
Residence	Palace of the Nation, Dushanbe
Appointer	Popular vote
Term length	7 years renewable optional
Formation	30 November 1990
First holder	Qahhor Mahkamov
Succession	Chairman of the National Assembly
Salary	144,144 Tajikistani somoni/13,200 USD annually

The President of Tajikistan is the main leader of the country. This person is the head of state for the Republic of Tajikistan. The president is in charge of the government's executive branch. They are also the commander-in-chief of the country's Armed Forces. This means they lead the military.

History of the Presidency

The first president of Tajikistan was Qahhor Mahkamov. He became president in November 1990. At that time, he was also the leader of the Communist Party in Tajikistan. He had to step down in August 1991. This happened because many people were unhappy with his support for a political event in Moscow. There were also big protests in Dushanbe, the capital city.

From 1991 to 1994, the role of president changed many times. This was a period of big political changes. The Soviet Union was breaking apart, and there was social unrest and violence during the Tajikistani Civil War. Since 1994, Emomali Rahmon has been the president. The last presidential election was in 2020. Some international observers have noted concerns about the fairness of these elections.

What the President Does

The president of Tajikistan is the country's top leader. They are elected by people across the country. In the past, a president could serve only one seven-year term, and could renew it only once. Now, there are no limits on how many terms a president can serve. The president is also the supreme leader of the Tajik National Army.

There is a special group called the Security Council. This group gives advice to the president on national safety matters. As the military leader, the president can also use a special center. This center helps the president manage the armed forces. It is like a main command center for the military.

President's Main Offices

The president's office has five main departments and 24 smaller offices. These groups help the president do their job. Some of the most important ones are:

• Department of Constitutional Rights of Citizens
• Department of Public Affairs, Information and Cultural Affairs
• Department of Social Policy
• Department of Economic Policy

The president also has five special advisors. These advisors help the president make decisions on important topics:

• State Advisor on Economic Issues
• State Advisor on International Affairs
• State Advisor on Science and Social Issues
• State Advisor on Public Affairs, Information and Culture
• State Advisor on Defense and Law Enforcement

President's Flag

The president of Tajikistan has an official flag, called the Presidential Standard. This flag is a special symbol of the president's role. It became an official state symbol in 2006. It was first used when Emomali Rahmon started his third term as president.

The standard is a rectangular flag with three horizontal colored stripes. These colors are the same as those on the Flag of Tajikistan. In the middle of the flag, there is a special symbol called the Derafsh Kaviani banner. This banner has a spear at the top. The spear shows the government's strength and its will to protect the country. The banner has four parts inside, which stand for the four regions of Tajikistan. In the very center, there is a winged lion with a crown and seven stars. These symbols are also part of the emblem of Tajikistan. The Derafsh Kaviani is embroidered with gold threads on both sides of the flag.

President's Home

Since 2008, the Palace of Nations has been the official home and office of the president. It is also called the Kohi Millat or the White House. The president often meets with leaders from other countries and public officials here. They also hold public events in its main hall. The palace was built to honor a historic Tajik king, Ismail Samani. It opened in August 2008. The palace is shown on the back of the 500 Somoni banknote.

Before 2008, the president lived in a different building. This older building was built in 1957. It used to be the main office for the Communist Party in Tajikistan. Many famous people visited it in the past, like Raul Castro and Ho Chi Minh. This building became the presidential home in 1992. In 2020, it was announced that the old palace would be taken down.

How the President is Chosen

Elections

The president of Tajikistan is elected for a seven-year term. There is a special rule for Emomali Rahmon, who is called the "Founder of Peace and National Unity — Leader of the Nation." The election uses a system where if no candidate gets more than half of the votes, a second election is held. This second election happens a few weeks later. Only the top two candidates from the first election can run in the second one. For the election results to be official, more than half of the voters must participate. If not enough people vote, a new election must be held.

Latest Election

Inauguration Ceremony

The inauguration ceremony is when the new president officially takes office. It takes place at the Kokhi Somon Palace in Dushanbe. After the ceremony, there is a military parade by the Armed Forces of the Republic of Tajikistan in Dousti Square. The Minister of Defence reads an oath to the president, who is the Supreme Commander-in-Chief. Then, the soldiers of the National Army march. A 30-gun salute is fired to celebrate the event.

Inauguration ceremonies have been held in these years:

• 1994
• 1999 - The Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin attended this ceremony.
• 18 November 2006
• 16 November 2013
• 30 October 2020 - This ceremony happened during the COVID-19 pandemic in Tajikistan.

List of Presidents of Tajikistan

See also

In Spanish: Presidente de Tayikistán para niños

• List of leaders of Tajikistan
• Vice President of Tajikistan
• Prime Minister of Tajikistan