TASHKENT: Voters across Uzbekistan participated in the parliamentary elections on Sunday to elect representatives under a new electoral system established by the 2023 constitution. The high-stakes election marks the first parliamentary vote since the constitutional reform. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized “strong competition” in the ballot.
The Central Election Commission reports that nearly 20 million registered voters have access to 10,717 polling stations nationwide. Today’s elections also feature Uzbekistan’s first parliamentary elections for the autonomous republic of Karakalpakstan.
These elections follow sweeping reforms enacted by President Mirziyoyev aimed at opening the economy, strengthening judicial independence, and creating a more inclusive political landscape. The constitutional changes introduced a mixed electoral system, enabling 75 seats to be filled via party lists and the remaining 75 through individual candidates. Political analysts see this as a move to foster greater political diversity and voter engagement.
The election comes amid scrutiny from Western observers, with some media outlets questioning the level of genuine opposition within Uzbekistan’s five competing political parties. However, government sources and local election monitors said that all participating parties represent distinct ideological platforms and priorities, including social justice, economic reform, and women’s empowerment.
Local media highlighted visible indicators of democratic progress, such as high voter turnout and political campaigns conducted via rallies, media appearances, and digital platforms.
One significant reform introduced under the revised constitution is a strengthened gender quota. Forty percent of candidates on party lists must be women, an increase from the previous 30 percent, further enhancing female representation across parliamentary and local bodies.
In this election, women constitute 44.74 percent of candidates for parliament and 42.45 percent for local councils. This development aligns with Uzbekistan’s stated commitment to gender equality and democratic inclusivity.
Moreover, Tashkent is piloting e-voting technology at select polling stations, allowing voters to choose between traditional paper ballots and electronic voting. Thirty-seven e-voting devices have been installed to ensure transparency and modernization within its electoral process.
Since the adoption of the new constitution, President Mirziyoyev has positioned the election as a critical step towards enhanced political accountability and economic self-reliance. His administration has focused on liberalizing the economy, fostering foreign investment, and decentralizing power to strengthen governance at all levels.
Today’s election, with five political parties participating, is seen as a crucial event for consolidating a “people-centered” democratic model that upholds principles of transparency, rule of law, and socioeconomic reform.
