DUSHANBE, September 24, 2013, Asia-Plus -- Bobonazarova’s pre-election campaign staff has called on the authorities to print ballot papers for the upcoming presidential election in private printing houses.

“When ballot papers for the presidential election are printed in Sharqi Ozod, the publishing house subordinate to the President’s Office, it is ridiculous to speak about democratic and transparent elections,” the Islamic Revival Party (IRP) deputy head, Mahmadali Hayit, who is the head of Bobonazarova’s campaign staff, told Asia-Plus in an interview.

According to him, ballot papers for the 2010 parliamentary elections were also printed in Sharqi Ozod, and “this process was out of control of political parties.”

Hayit noted that it would be expedient to print the ballot papers outside the republic.  “If it is difficult for financial reasons, the ballot papers could be printed in private printing houses,” he said.

He further added that heads of more than 20 cities and districts of the country have put obstacles in the way of Bobonazarova’s campaign staff.