Daily Times

The parliamentary and local council elections in Uzbekistan concluded on 27th October when the Uzbekistan Liberal Democratic Party (UzLiDeP) emerged as the leading party. These elections stand as a significant moment in the country’s transformation under the visionary leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

Since taking office in 2016, President Mirziyoyev has gradually guided Uzbekistan toward a more open, economically robust, and globally engaged state. For this October 2024 elections, Uzbekistan has utilized a mixed electoral system that has been used to embed inclusivity and transparency in the governance framework hence ensuring stability and broadening civic participation. Through these important policy frameworks, President Mirziyoyev has transformed Uzbekistan into a modern democracy with roots deeper in the cultural and national ethos.

This election marks a special defining step in Uzbekistan’s evolving political landscape. With 150 seats in the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis, the mixed system allocated half through single-mandate constituencies and the other half through proportional representation, enabling citizens to vote for individual candidates and political parties.

This reform, instituted through a 2023 constitutional amendment, is an important step towards making it calculated shift towards political pluralism. The aim was to develop a form of unity to maintain consistency in governance while enhancing public participation. UzLiDeP emerged as the leading party with ample voters’ confidence in the policies of President Mirziyoyev. Other prominent players, including the National Revival Party and the Adolat Social Democratic Party, followed, each contributing to the rich tapestry of policy perspectives that define modern Uzbekistan.

At the heart of Uzbekistan’s reforms lies the commitment to a free and active civil society.

Under President Mirziyoyev, the shift in Uzbekistan’s electoral processes is path-breaking in the history of the country. It is a desire and a deeper commitment to channelling public sentiment into the decision-making process while keeping political structures stable. This mixed electoral system was developed to increase political representation without sacrificing national coherence.

The new requirement for 40 percent female representation among parliamentary candidates signals a strategic commitment to gender inclusivity, which aligns with Mirziyoyev’s broader reforms focused on elevating women’s roles in Uzbek society. This development is complemented by the digitization of electoral processes, most notably through the “E-SAYLOV” electronic voting system, which has enhanced transparency and brought Uzbekistan closer to global democratic standards.

This election reinforces Uzbekistan’s standing as a linchpin in Central Asia-a state capable of balancing regional dynamics and fostering constructive partnerships. Under President Mirziyoyev, Uzbekistan has embraced diplomatic agility, maintaining strong economic and political ties with China while carefully navigating its neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. These relationships are fundamental to Uzbekistan’s economic strategy, with global and regional partners including Russia and China. President Mirziyoyev’s government, with its focus on economic liberalization, has simultaneously engaged Western partners including the US and EU for bringing foreign investment and technological advancements that bolster the national economy.

President Mirziyoyev’s economic policies have propelled Uzbekistan into a new era of growth. His administration has sought to reduce dependency on traditional industries by prioritizing economic diversification, modernizing infrastructure, and fostering private entrepreneurship. Initiatives such as public-private partnerships in sectors like water management, environmental conservation, and healthcare show the President’s vision for a resilient economy that promotes sustainability.

These policies, which include plans to increase private sector involvement in the economy to 85 percent have been clearly indicated in the surveys done by the Center for Progressive Reforms. Public demand for transparency, judicial independence, and environmental protections has been accepted with whole heart by the incumbent administration led by President Mirziyoyev.

At the heart of these reforms lies the commitment to a free and active civil society. This is a departure from the restrictions of past administrations hence Uzbekistan is becoming a leader in the region by taking bold steps and an inclusive approach for prosperity and development. The Civil Society Development Concept for 2021-2025 and Presidential Decree No PF-124 on state support for civil society institutions is one such strategic framework that integrates civic groups into Uzbekistan’s governance model.

Thousands of non-governmental organizations now play an instrumental role in addressing social issues. It is estimated that nearly 2250 various such projects have been supported by the government since 2017. These organizations are key to engaging citizens, fostering social responsibility, and enhancing the public’s role in shaping Uzbekistan’s future.

As Uzbekistan progresses under President Mirziyoyev’s administration, these elections highlight the country’s balanced approach to modernization. While the electoral system may not yet offer opposition in the Western sense, it does foster dialogue across diverse policy priorities, ranging from social welfare and economic growth to environmental sustainability. In many ways, Uzbekistan’s recent elections capture the unique dynamics of a country in transition – a nation blending continuity with change under a leader dedicated to steering this course responsibly. President Mirziyoyev’s policies have not only stabilized Uzbekistan but have positioned it as a model of pragmatic governance within Central Asia.

The writer is the Director (Centre for Central Asia and Eurasian Studies- Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies, Islamabad).