Following the April 30 referendum, the people of Uzbekistan have voted by a margin of over 90% to approve a wide-ranging series of constitutional reforms, which could allow President Mirziyoyev to remain in power until 2037.
“Foundation for New Uzbekistan”
The extensive reform package led to amendments to more than half of the articles of the Constitution. The number of Senate members was reduced from 100 to 65, and the death penalty was abolished. The new Constitution states that the State shall take measures to ensure employment of citizens, to protect against unemployment, and to reduce poverty. The new Constitution also envisages the introduction of “fair taxes” for entrepreneurs, the provision of access to free education for the youth, as well as the upholding of freedom of speech and other fundamental rights.
The constitutional reform held on April 30 is considered to be the foundation for new Uzbekistan. “Changes are being made in all branches of power, relations and balance between them are renewed. The updated Constitution sets new duties for the president, parliament, ministers, and judges. Our people expect important and urgent reforms from us in all fields", Mirziyoyev said.
Who has the great chance to win the snap election?
Four main candidates are set to run in the snap presidential election in Uzbekistan:
• Ulugbek Inoyatov (People’s Democratic Party, former minister of education)
• Shavkat Mirziyoyev (Movement of Entrepreneurs and Businesspeople – the Liberal Democratic Party)
• Robakhon Mahmudova (“Adolat” social democratic party, former deputy chairman of the Supreme Court)
• Abdushukur Khamzaev (Ecological Party)
Shavkat Mirziyoyev is considered to be an undisputed favorite among the candidates. On May 13, the Democratic Party of Uzbekistan Milliy Tiklanish (National Revival) withdrew its presidential candidate in support of incumbent President Mirziyoyev.
During his pre-election campaign, Mirziyoyev promised to ensure sustainable economic growth in Uzbekistan “so that people are satisfied with their lives”. Specifically, the incumbent president promises that per capita GDP and exports will double, all residential areas will be provided with clean drinking water, the Internet speed will increase ten-fold and the labor migration system will undergo serious reforms.
Being more focused on education, the new program intends to create 500.000 new school places. The issue of education must be resolved fully by 2030. Regarding the healthcare system, the state will fully be responsible for the treatment of ‘Hepatitis C’.
When it comes to other candidates, former minister of education Ulugbay Inoyatov focuses on social justices promising ‘luxury tax’ on rich people.
Robahon Mahmudova promises full support to entrepreneurs in accordance with social-democratic mindset.
Abdushukur Hamzayev is centred on environmental protection. In his opinion, goods must be transported by railway rather than other means of transport.
Main questions
The elections are expected to be peaceful and scandal-free. Since the rating of the current head of state is quite high, tough battles are not predicted. The expected intrigue in the election is related to other issues:
- How will the participation rate be in elections compared to previous ones?
- In what direction will Mirziyoyev’s votes change?
If the victory of the current president is as confident as possible, he will be more confident in continuing his domestic and foreign policy.
Uzbekistan’s changing leader
66-years-old Shavkat Mirziyoyev was prime minister of the country during the term of decedent Islam Karimov between 2003 and 2016. It will be his third time in elections. On December 4, 2016, he won with more than 88%, and he won with 80.12% of the votes in 2021.
Big changes happened during Shavkat Miromonovich’s term in the country. Deep reformations and courageous steps show that the President intends to create New Uzbekistan as stated in the development strategy. Internal policy and economy have been liberalised considerably. The financial system has been modernised and switched to free floating rate. Moratorium has been put on entrepreneurship subjects. The conditions for getting a business licence were easened. The state intervention in the economy was limited.
Following the reforms, the number of businessmen in Uzbekistan has become 2 million. 200,000 hectares of land were allocated to peasant farms. Consequently, more than 700,000 people in the regions got an opportunity to engage in entrepreneurship. The state actively supports family business and strives to increase employment among women and youth.
When Mirziyoyev came to power, a more open foreign policy was implemented in the country and regional partnerships started to prosper. The new program promises to follow this trend - "turn Uzbekistan into a state of peace and tranquillity".
Undoubtedly, Mirziyoyev has an irreplaceable role in strengthening Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan relations to the level of friendship and then brotherhood. This policy should continue more decisively following July elections.
Vusal Mammadov
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