TASHKENT: Early presidential elections in Uzbekistan have come to an end, with a high voter turnout reported across the country. Polling stations closed at 8:00 p.m. (GMT+5), and the final turnout figures will be published later. The reported turnout exceeded 70%, with over 13.4 million people casting their votes. In Uzbekistan, elections are recognized as valid if the turnout threshold reaches 33%.
The voting process commenced at 8:00 am local time, with a total of 10,784 polling stations available for eligible voters. This includes 56 stations in 39 countries outside of Uzbekistan. The total number of registered voters for the presidential elections is approximately 19.6 million people. During the early voting period from June 28 to July 1, 376,623 citizens participated in the electoral process.
These presidential elections mark the first election cycle following constitutional amendments based on the results of the April 30, 2023 referendum. The amendments included an extension of the president’s term of office from 5 to 7 years.
Candidates Competing for Uzbekistan’s Presidency
Four candidates competed for the presidency: Ulugbek Inoyatov from the People’s Democratic Party, Shavkat Mirziyoyev from the UzLiDeP Party, Robakhon Mahmudova from the “Adolat” Social Democratic Party, and Abdushukur Hmazayev from the Ecological Party of Uzbekistan.
The electoral process is being closely monitored by international observers, with fifteen international organizations and around eight hundred observers from 47 countries ensuring transparency and fairness. Furthermore, over 53,000 local observers from political parties and citizens’ self-governing bodies are diligently overseeing the elections. Around 1,400 local and foreign media representatives are actively covering the election, shedding light on the democratic exercise taking place in Uzbekistan.
As of now, the Central Election Commission has not reported any violations of electoral legislation during the voting process. The candidate who emerges as the victor will serve as the president for the next seven years in accordance with the updated Constitution of Uzbekistan.
The official results of the presidential election will be announced by the Central Election Commission no later than 10 days after the conclusion of the polls. The results will be published on the commission’s official website and other relevant sources. These elections hold significant importance as they reflect the implementation of constitutional amendments and mark a crucial step in Uzbekistan’s democratic progress.
The Central Election Commission of Uzbekistan continues to ensure a transparent and smooth electoral process, and the country now awaits the outcome of this consequential democratic exercise.
