By Roy Lie Atjam
The highly anticipated elections for the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis and local councils Kengashes in Uzbekistan took place as planned on Sunday, 27 October 2024. This election was a crucial event for the legislative body known as the Oliy Majlis councils.
The Central Election Commission (MSK) effectively executed its responsibilities in strict accordance with the Constitution, the Election Code, and the prevailing legislation of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Their meticulous adherence to legal and constitutional procedures ensured a fair and transparent electoral process.
On polling day, it was a remarkable autumn day in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, which proudly earns its reputation as a garden city.
All requirements were successfully met, and polling stations were strategically located in venues prominently displaying the State flag outside and inside the building. Furthermore, polling stations were numbered, and there were designated booths for confidential voting and secure ballot boxes.
Voting commenced promptly at 8 AM and concluded at 8 PM, achieving an impressive turnout that exceeded 74%. After playing the national anthem, ballot papers were efficiently distributed to all eligible voters.
The MSK conducted regular press conferences and briefings to inform the public about the electoral process. Polling stations exemplified a welcoming, transparent atmosphere. Observers could navigate freely, with transportation and interpreters readily available to support them.
By Article 14 of the Election Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Central Election Commission officially invited International Observers, engaging vital international organisations, electoral bodies, and foreign representatives in the oversight of the election. International observation is an indispensable pillar of democratic elections, ensuring the integrity and transparency vital to the electoral process.
These observers played an active role, monitoring the voting on election day and overseeing the counting of votes and protocols. Their presence underscored Uzbekistan’s commitment to upholding international standards of transparency and fairness in its electoral process.
The election campaign was carried out effectively across various media channels, including telecom networks, the internet, printed materials, and eye- catching visual and audio tools such as posters and leaflets. A gala concert featuring the State Symphony Orchestra of Uzbekistan took place at the Palace of International Forums, alongside engaging in-person meetings with voters.
This comprehensive approach ensured that all citizens were well-informed and actively involved in the electoral process.
High-profile interviews were conducted with leading party members, including Prof. Dr. Dubek Akhmedov of the UzLiDeP party, who expertly articulated the mixed electoral system integrating majoritarian and proportional representation.
The government proactively organised numerous promotional meetings to galvanise support for the election at home and abroad. A critical conference held in Brussels on September 26, 2024, titled On the Road to a Democratic Future demonstrated this commitment. Domestically, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spearheaded The International Partnership Initiatives Week, which featured a significant roundtable discussion in Tashkent entitled Foreign Policy of Uzbekistan: Openness and Prosperity for Peace. This event drew considerable attendance from the Diplomatic Corps in Uzbekistan, including prominent ambassadors from India, France, and other nations.
One international observer appreciated participating in this critical event, stating, “I am glad to be here. I have visited Uzbekistan many times and taken part in various international events. These elections are being conducted completely differently from what I am used to. During my visits to the polling stations, I witnessed extensive preparations for the elections. Everything was carried out according to democratic principles. What caught my attention was integrating the election process with information technology.
Electronic voting systems have been implemented, and almost all tasks are handled electronically. This starkly contrasts my country, where elections are conducted on paper rather than electronically. This significant political process will play a crucial role in the ongoing development of New Uzbekistan.”
Regarding the preliminary election results, the Liberal Democratic Party, currently in power, has received 64 mandates out of 150 in the lower house of parliament:The Democratic Party “Milliy Tiklanish” secured 29 mandates, the “Ecological Party of Uzbekistan” received 16, the “People’s Democratic Party of Uzbekistan” obtained 20, and the Social Democratic Party “Adolat” garnered 21. Final outcomes will be published within ten days.
Uzbekistan undoubtedly has the potential to build a prosperous and inclusive New Uzbekistan.
