Announced on Friday by the Central Election Commission (CEC), Uzbekistan’s upcoming legislative elections on October 27, 2024, will mark a pivotal moment for the nation’s political future. This election represents the culmination of the 2023 constitutional reform initiated by the Parliament, aiming to liberalize the country and enhance its political openness.
Shavkat Mirziyoyev: An Unexpected Reformer
Since gaining independence in 1991, Uzbekistan has been shaped by the presidency of Islam Karimov. The former leader of the local Communist Party maintained an authoritarian and collectivist system modeled on the Soviet Union, even as other Central Asian republics embraced economic and political openness. This planned and dirigisme economic model stagnated for a quarter of a century, leaving a heavy legacy in terms of human and social rights and economic fragility.
Shavkat Mirziyoyev assumed leadership in 2016 following Karimov’s death. Unexpectedly, the former prime minister initiated a reformist shift, implementing economic liberalizations, social reforms, and a democratization program. The adoption of a new constitution by referendum in 2023 stands as the pinnacle of these efforts.
A New Constitution for Direct Democracy
The new constitution emphasizes direct democracy, involving citizens in driving reforms and establishing a government that upholds modern standards of the rule of law. Citizens now have the right to initiate legislation, and civil society and business institutions are integrated at all levels of power to provide advisory opinions.
In addition to highlighting political rights, the constitution fully embraces the Universal Declaration of Human Rights—a first for the country. The constitution now contains 3.5 times more norms aimed at protecting the rights of Uzbeks.
Popularity Driven by Favorable Economic Performance
The October 27 legislative elections will be the first electoral test since the referendum approving the constitutional reform. While the ruling Liberal Democratic Party of Uzbekistan (UzLiDeP) is expected to retain its majority, these elections will confirm the country’s democratic advancements. The OECD has been authorized to send international observers to ensure a fair election.
Shavkat Mirziyoyev enjoys strong popularity due to Uzbekistan’s dynamic economy. GDP has grown consistently at 5% annually since 2016, reaching $90 billion today. The poverty rate, set at 35,9% eight years ago, fell by more than 18 points in 2022. Investments in infrastructure, education reform, improved living conditions for teachers, and strengthened health and social protection have contributed to these results. Uzbekistan now attracts international investors, who praise its economic development and political stability.
Challenges Remain
Despite notable socio-economic progress, Uzbek authorities still face two major challenges: political freedom and corruption. To combat the country’s post-Soviet past and its associated pitfalls, the constitutional reforms were aimed to educate citizens in democratic practices and involve them in decision-making processes. The President also intends to enhance transparency throughout the administration. Through this policy, Uzbekistan seeks to build public trust in institutions, eradicate corruption, and move away from its centralized authoritarian regime.
While the upcoming legislative elections are unlikely to drastically change the political balance, they will mark a decisive step in implementing the 2023 constitutional reform, aiming to make Uzbekistan a more open, participatory, democratic, and future-oriented nation.
