by: Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director, Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future (PRCCSF):
Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has been re-elected with 87.1% of the vote, according to preliminary results released by the Central Election Commission (CEC) on 10 July. On April 30, Uzbekistan citizens voted on constitutional reforms that provide a strong legal framework for economic and political reforms to promote good governance, protect fundamental rights, sustainable development, and growth.
On May 6, the Constitutional Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On Amendments and Additions to Certain Laws of the Republic of Uzbekistan” was enacted, which included the equivalent sections of the Law “On Referendum of the Republic of Uzbekistan” and Election Code.
On Election Day, Mr. Z. Nizamkhodjaev, Chairman of the Central Election Commission, and other ministry representatives held a briefing with observers from international organizations and foreign countries who had come to observe the preparations for the presidential elections in the Republic of Uzbekistan as well as the conduct of the elections in accordance with the law and democratic principles.
International Observers: There are 785 accredited observers from international organizations and other countries who took part in the early presidential elections, as well as 1,299 representatives from local and international media.
The Central Election Commission’s regulation outlined the procedure for foreign observers and international organizations to participate in the elections. The Election Code and CEC Regulations on Observers from Foreign Countries and International Organizations in Elections in Uzbekistan were governed by the legal regulation of the status of international observers in Uzbekistan elections, including the accreditation procedure and list of rights, obligations, and legal framework of international observers.
The Election Code explicitly provided that observers from other nations and international organizations may participate in all activities relating to election preparation and conduct, such as polling locations and vote counting on election day.
The observers who monitored the electoral process were from international and intergovernmental organizations, including the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, the European Parliament, the CIS, the CIS Inter-Parliamentary Assembly, the SCO, the OIC, the OTS, and the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic Speaking Countries. Observers included electoral law specialists, lawyers, human rights advocates, political scientists, intellectuals, and researchers who were invited by Uzbekistan to monitor the presidential election in their professional capacity.
The presidential elections were held in complete compliance with the country’s electoral legislation, international norms and standards, and international democratic ideals such as openness, transparency, and justice.
Over 53,000 local observers from political parties that nominated presidential candidates and citizens’ self-governing bodies observed the elections. While over 10,700 voting boxes were set up around the country, Uzbek nationals living abroad participated in 55 ballot boxes set up in 39 countries, including Turkey.
A model of the particular legal status of international observers emerged in Uzbekistan’s electoral practice, in which the rights and obligations of international observers were established through a legally binding act, guaranteeing the consistent practice of creating conditions for their activity.
“Through the Lens of an International Observer: Analyzing Election: I went to various polling places. I can confidently state that the Central Election Commission has meticulously prepared for these elections. The Central Election Commission has clearly worked extremely hard to prepare for this big political event in such a short period of time. I have noticed that young people, in particular, engaged at polling places to choose their perspective candidates.
The Central Election Commission carried out its duties to a high standard and in compliance with international standards. Voters are free to cast their ballots.
I acknowledged that the electoral processes are open and transparent, in full compliance with international legal norms and democratic principles. I appreciate The Central Election Commission’s preparations and arrangements for the electoral process to a high standard and for carrying out their duties in accordance with electoral legislation. The elections were observed to be well organized; voters went to the polls in good spirits and were enthusiastic.
Uzbekistan had ensured and safeguarded its citizens and voters’ constitutional electoral rights and freedoms while being open to international observation, not just in national elections but also in referendums. In this way, the country put into effect the generally recognized principles and standards of international law in the field of democratic elections, as well as guaranteed and protected the electoral rights and freedoms of voters.
Throughout President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s leadership, he prioritized the establishment of robust legal frameworks that foster good governance, safeguard fundamental rights, ensure efficient management, and offer social guarantees. These frameworks serve as the bedrock for the advancement of economic and social development in Uzbekistan.
Conclusion: Uzbekistan has witnessed remarkable growth and transformation, emerging as a thriving economy propelled by a series of significant reforms implemented in recent years.
The constitutional reforms enacted by President Mirziyoyev have reinforced the economic reforms and paved the way for sustainable development and continuous expansion. Committed to the welfare of Uzbekistan’s citizens, President Mirziyoyev remains dedicated to their development and progress, striving toward excellence in all future endeavors.
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