The path toward modern Tajik statehood began in the late 1980s, amidst political processes that saw union republics within the Soviet Union start declaring state sovereignties.[2] This was a new stage in a longer historical path, with the modern process beginning as the Soviet Union started to collapse.[1] The political atmosphere within Tajikistan at the time was one of confrontation, which set the stage for a formal declaration of its rights.[4] This period is considered the beginning of a completely new era in the history of Tajik statehood and public administration.[5]
On August 24, 1990, at the second session of the 12th convocation of the Supreme Soviet of the Tajik SSR, the resolution titled "On the Sovereignty of the Tajik SSR" was adopted. This initial declaration proclaimed sovereignty while the republic was still a part of the Soviet Union.[5][3] It stated that the Tajik SSR would independently resolve all political and economic issues on its territory, except for those it voluntarily transferred to the Soviet Union's competence.[1] A key part was the Article No. 5 within the declaration, which empowered the republic to terminate Soviet documents that contradicting its legal rights.[2]
Following the attempted coup in Moscow in August 1991, the processes for declaring full national independence intensified across the union republics. Consequently, on September 9, 1991, at a session of the Supreme Soviet, the definitive Resolution and Statement “On the state independence of the Republic of Tajikistan” were adopted.[1][5][3] However, the political situation in Tajikistan after it gained independence became extremely difficult, as the country descended into a civil war that caused chaos and lawlessness.[4] This crisis led to the historic 16th session of the Supreme Soviet in November 1992, which laid the legislative foundation to end the conflict and preserve the country.[2]
