Official name

Republic of Tajikistan

Constitution

On August 31st 1991 the Soviet Socialist Republic of Tajikistan was renamed the Republic of Tajikistan. On September 9th 1991 it declared itself independent from the Soviet Union. The president's term of office was increased from five to seven years through a constitutional amendment passed in a referendum held on September 26th 1999

National legislature

A bicameral parliament consisting of a 63-seat lower house, the Council of Representatives, and a 33-seat upper chamber, the National Council

Electoral system

Universal suffrage over the age of 18

National elections

November 6th 2006 (presidential); February 28th 2010 (legislative; lower house of parliament). Next presidential election due in 2013; next legislative election due in February 2015

Head of state

The president, Imomali Rahmon (formerly Rahmonov), first elected on November 5th 1994 and re-elected for a third term on November 6th 2006

National government

The prime minister is appointed by the president, who is formally head of the executive branch

Main political parties/factions

People's Democratic Party (PDP; pro-president); Islamic Renaissance Party (IRP); Democratic Party (DP); Communist Party; Socialist Party; Social Democratic Party (SDP); Agrarian Party; Party of Economic Reforms (PER)

Leading members of the Council of Ministers

Prime minister: Aqil Aqilov

Deputy prime ministers:

;Murodali Alimardon

;Asadullo Ghulomov

;Khayrinisso Mavlonova

Key ministers

Agriculture: Qosim Qosimov

Communications: Bek Zuhurov

Culture: Mirzoshohrukh Asrori

Defence: Sherali Khayrulloyev

Economic development & trade: Ghulomjon Bobozoda

Education: Abdujabbor Rahmonov

Energy & industry: Sherali Gul

Finance: Safarali Najmuddinov

Foreign affairs: Hamrokhon Zarifi

Health: Nusratullo Salimov

Internal affairs: Abdurahim Qahhorov

Justice: Bahktiyor Khudoyorov

Labour & social security: Shukurjon Zuhurov

Land reclamation & water resources: Said Yoqubzod

Transport: Nizom Khakimov

Chairmen of state committees

Investment: Ismat Eshmirzoyev

National security: Saymumin Yatimov

Central bank governor

Sharif Rahimzoda