2nd May 2023: Polling stations have opened in Uzbekistan for a constitutional referendum, which proposes significant changes to the country’s political system.The proposed changes include reducing the presidential term from seven to five years, giving more power to the prime minister and parliament, and establishing an independent judiciary.
The referendum has been seen as a test of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s commitment to political reform and modernization, following decades of authoritarian rule under his predecessor, Islam Karimov. President Mirziyoyev, who took office in 2016 following Karimov’s death, has pursued a program of economic and political liberalization, seeking to attract foreign investment and improve relations with neighboring countries.The proposed constitutional changes have been widely supported by Uzbekistan’s political elite, with the ruling Uzbekistan Liberal Democratic Party and other parties urging voters to support the referendum.
However, some opposition groups have raised concerns about the referendum, arguing that it could concentrate too much power in the hands of the prime minister and parliament, and potentially undermine the independence of the judiciary. There have also been concerns about the transparency and fairness of the referendum, with some opposition groups alleging that the government has engaged in voter intimidation and ballot stuffing.
Despite these concerns, the government has insisted that the referendum will be free and fair, with international observers invited to monitor the voting process. The referendum has been closely watched by Uzbekistan’s neighbors and international partners, with many hoping that the proposed changes will lead to greater stability and democratization in the region.
The referendum also comes at a time when Uzbekistan is seeking to deepen its economic ties with neighboring countries, particularly China, and to attract foreign investment to support its ambitious modernization program.In conclusion, the constitutional referendum in Uzbekistan represents a significant moment in the country’s political history, with the proposed changes potentially transforming the balance of power between the presidency, parliament, and judiciary.
The referendum has been widely supported by Uzbekistan’s political elite, but has raised concerns among some opposition groups about the concentration of power and potential for voter intimidation. The outcome of the referendum will be closely watched by Uzbekistan’s neighbors and international partners, as the country seeks to deepen its economic ties and pursue a program of modernization and democratization.