DUSHANBE, October 18, Asia-Plus -- The upcoming presidential election will be the next stage of democratic development in Tajikistan, Russian Ambassador to Tajikistan Ramazan Abdulatipov remarked at a news conference in Dushanbe on October 17. 

Abdulatipov discussed with journalists the Russian-Tajik agreements signed during Russian President Putin’s visit to Tajikistan in October 2004. 

He noted that President Rahmonov, the youngest president in Central Asia, continues developing his own potential and that of his country. 

On the upcoming presidential election in Tajikistan, the ambassador noted that compared to other Central Asian states, Tajikistan has the most open political system and the most favorable legal foundation for fair elections. Abdulatipov said that Russia is ready to help open polling stations in Russian cities for Tajikistan’s presidential election if so requested. 

He expressed hope that the voting process will be transparent and the election will be fair.