In a tightly monitored electoral process, parties aligned with Uzbekistan’s president have claimed victory in the parliamentary elections, as per the official results released on Monday. This election, held in a highly controlled political environment, lacked any substantial opposition.
Uzbekistan is home to five registered political parties, all of which fielded candidates in the elections that took place on Sunday. While these parties address a variety of topics—ranging from economic issues to environmental concerns—they all share a common allegiance to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, reflecting a lack of opposition parties in the nation.
Election officials reported a voter turnout of nearly 75%, significantly exceeding the 33% threshold required for the elections to be considered valid. This high engagement indicates a level of participation, albeit in a restricted electoral landscape.
Recent legislative reforms have transformed Uzbekistan’s electoral system into a mixed model, with half of its 150 lawmakers chosen through party lists and the other half via individual elections. Furthermore, these new regulations mandate that 40% of candidates must be women, aiming to promote gender representation in government.
Despite the ongoing reforms, observers from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe noted that the electoral environment remains limited, failing to provide voters with real choices. They expressed concerns regarding the extensive restrictions on fundamental freedoms related to association, peaceful assembly, and expression, both in legislative context and practical application.
Since assuming the presidency in 2016, Mirziyoyev has embarked on various political and economic reforms, shifting away from some of the oppressive policies implemented by his predecessor, the authoritarian leader Islam Karimov. Under Karimov’s tenure, Uzbekistan was recognized as one of the most repressive states in the region.
President Mirziyoyev has taken steps to release certain political prisoners, relaxed media and blogging restrictions, and lessened regulatory controls over religious practices that Karimov had enforced to quell dissent.
In 2022, Mirziyoyev’s administration asserted it had eradicated what human rights organizations described as systemic forced labor. Nonetheless, lingering apprehensions persist, as activists contend that countless individuals continue to be imprisoned under dubious charges in Uzbekistan.
In April 2023, Mirziyoyev introduced a constitutional referendum aimed at resetting presidential term limits, which could potentially allow him to remain in power until 2040, raising further questions regarding the nation’s political future.