As Uzbekistan prepares for its upcoming parliamentary elections, set to take place in one month, the political landscape is marked by both anticipation and significance.
These elections hold critical importance for the country, following significant constitutional changes and the launch of a second phase of reforms aimed at further modernisation and democratisation.
A New Era of Governance
The upcoming elections will be the first since Uzbekistan’s constitution was adjusted to reflect new realities, both politically and socially.
Representatives of Uzbekistan’s political groups and civil society explained to an audience of journalists and other interested parties that these elections will serve as a litmus test for how well the revised constitution aligns with the nation’s evolving political needs.
Senator Sodiq Safoyev.
“Our country is committed to building a secular democracy based on the supremacy of the law, open civil society, and a socially oriented market economy. Getting rid of the previous system which was mainly based on centralised and mainly closed political system, un-transparent governance. It was not inclusive for civil society.
“We are talking about genuine political and economic modernisation,” – Senator Sodiq Safoyev, First Deputy Speaker of the Senate of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
The elections are seen as crucial for electing a new parliament that will be responsible for implementing the next stages of Uzbekistan’s modernisation process.
It is worth remembering that it is only very recently, since Shavkat Mirziyoyev assumed the presidency in 2106, that this huge, landlocked nation has truly started to free itself from its Soviet past.
Utkir Saidov.
“As we all know, political pluralism is the life-blood of every healthy political system.
“In Uzbekistan also, political reforms are closely connected with the development of political pluralism.
“If we look at the political party’s platforms, the differences are clear.”
Utkir Saidov Head of Department, Center for Analysis of Democratic Processes
The newly empowered parliament is expected to play a significant role in making critical decisions for the future of the country, underlining the importance of political will, inclusivity, and decisive actions in the next phase of reforms.
Civil Society’s Growing Role
Uzbekistan’s government has acknowledged that it cannot implement reforms in isolation, highlighting the importance of working with civil society and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
In this context, civil society has become a key player in drafting laws and policies, monitoring their implementation, and holding public officials accountable.
The Development Strategy Centre, one of the key institutions driving these reforms, plays a central role in ensuring that civil society voices are heard at all levels of policymaking. This engagement is seen as a crucial element of the country’s ongoing reforms, fostering greater transparency and accountability.
Political Pluralism and Party Platforms
For the first time in Uzbekistan’s history, voters will not only elect individual candidates but also choose between the platforms and policies of various political parties. This marks a significant shift towards political pluralism in a country that has traditionally operated under a more centralised system.
The diversity of party platforms is evident. The Liberal Democratic Party, for example, focuses on economic liberalisation and reducing state intervention in the economy.
In contrast, the People’s Democratic Party advocates for a more balanced approach, supporting state involvement in economic reforms.
Nodir Tilavoldiev.
“Milliy Tiklanish” stands apart from other parties with its unique vision in promoting national values and national identity. We think the modernity should not come at the cost of national values. As my colleges highlighted, we have a very important political process on the 27th of October, when we have parliamentary elections and elections for the local councils, and its very important because this is happening in a new legal framework,” – Nodir Tilavoldiev Member of the Parliament of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and Deputy Chairman “National Revival” Democratic Party (“Milliy Tiklanish”).
Meanwhile, the National Revival Party, currently the second-largest in the parliament, prioritises preserving national values and identity, alongside modernisation efforts.
This diversity of political ideologies reflects a broader commitment to fostering a more pluralistic and inclusive political environment in Uzbekistan.
Digitalisation and Inclusivity in the Election Process
The upcoming elections will also see significant advancements in the digitalisation of the electoral process. While the actual voting will still be done using traditional paper ballots, much of the interaction between parties, candidates, and the public will be conducted digitally.
This includes providing voters with access to candidates’ CVs, election programmes, and other key information online, a move aimed at increasing transparency and reducing human intervention in the process.
Another notable development is the increased focus on inclusivity.
Recent amendments to Uzbekistan’s election code require that 40% of all candidates must be women, a significant step towards gender equality in the country’s political landscape. According to the Central Election Committee, 44.7% of candidates in the upcoming elections are women, a sign of progress towards greater representation.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the positive steps towards reform, Uzbekistan still faces several challenges. One of the key issues is raising public awareness about new government initiatives and ensuring that citizens are informed about their rights and the benefits of these reforms.
Eldor Tulyakov.
“The atmosphere has changed over the last 6-7 years, with the purpose being to engage the public with the political reforms, and as such a variety of mechanisms, channels, and initiatives have been adopted to make sure that voices are heard at all levels of the political life of the country.
“The principle that was taken as a corner-stone of future reforms is called the ‘Dialogue With The People.
“Talking to the people has been a priority in the current process of reforms… they must have different channels, all public officials starting from the President himself,” – Eldor Tulyakov Executive Director, Development Strategy Center.
Additionally, the government is working to improve digital literacy, as many citizens still face difficulties in accessing and using digital platforms.
Another challenge is ensuring that the political reforms are in line with the priorities of the younger generation, which makes up a significant portion of Uzbekistan’s population. This generation, often more engaged with social media and digital platforms than traditional media, will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the country.
Capacity building is also a critical issue, both for public officials and civil society. Ensuring that officials are equipped to implement reforms effectively, and that civil society can hold them accountable, will be essential for the success of Uzbekistan’s transformation.
International Oversight and Observations
Uzbekistan has opened its doors to international observers for the upcoming elections, with close to 1,000 observers expected, including representatives from the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and the European Parliament.
This international oversight is seen as a way to ensure that the elections are conducted in a transparent and fair manner, in line with international standards.
In addition to international observers, local observers from civil society will also play a key role in monitoring the elections. This dual approach to oversight is intended to build public confidence in the electoral process and ensure that any issues are identified and addressed.
A Pivotal Moment for Uzbekistan’s Future
The upcoming parliamentary elections represent a pivotal moment for Uzbekistan, as the country continues its journey towards political and economic modernisation. With a new constitution in place, an empowered parliament, and a growing role for civil society, these elections will test the country’s commitment to reforms and provide a glimpse into its future trajectory.
While challenges remain, particularly in terms of raising public awareness and ensuring inclusivity, there is optimism that the elections will mark a significant step forward in Uzbekistan’s democratic development.
The involvement of both local and international observers will be crucial in ensuring that the elections are conducted transparently and fairly, paving the way for a new era of governance in the country.
N.B. EU Today will be covering the October elections on the ground in Uzbekistan. Consulting Editor Chris White will be reporting, and speaking with voters and candidates.
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