New Uzbekistan: Political Reforms and Parliamentary Elections – 2024

Modern economic and democratic systems aim to uphold individual rights and freedoms. It’s widely accepted that there’s no one-size-fits-all model for democracy; development must adapt to each country’s unique circumstances.

1. New Uzbekistan: Democratic Reforms and Human Rights

A year ago, Uzbekistan made history by adopting a revised Constitution through a nationwide referendum, solidifying the foundations of New Uzbekistan. Constitutional changes prioritize individual rights and significantly enhance their protection, Hellomagyar.hu analysis said.

In line with this new Constitution, various laws are being amended and new ones are being introduced, affecting state governance, the legislative branch, and institutions like the Central Election Commission. Uzbekistan is committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, guided by the UN’s principle of “Leaving no one behind.”

The democratic reforms underway have become irreversible, with equal opportunities, human rights, and improved welfare for citizens at the forefront. Key components of the “Uzbekistan 2030” Strategy include:

– Protecting human rights

– Creating conditions for individual potential

– Reducing poverty and enhancing welfare

– Strengthening civil society

– Combating corruption and promoting sustainability

Uzbekistan actively collaborates with UN bodies and international organizations to advance human rights. Notably, 11 resolutions have been introduced at the UN General Assembly, with four adopted in 2024 alone.

High-profile visitors, including UN Secretary-General António Guterres and various UN human rights commissioners, have visited Uzbekistan to assess its human rights landscape and ongoing reforms. Between 2021 and 2023, Uzbekistan became a member of the UN Human Rights Council and was elected to several other UN bodies for the first time.

The National Human Rights Strategy is in progress, focusing on gender equality, freedom of speech, and the fight against torture. Significant steps are being taken to protect women’s rights and eliminate stereotypes. Democratic judicial principles, such as “Miranda Rights” and “Habeas Corpus,” are now constitutionally enshrined.

2. Parliamentary Elections: A New Phase in Democratic Development

Elections serve as vital benchmarks in a democracy, allowing citizens to express their political will. In 2024, approximately 70 countries, representing over half the world’s population, will hold significant elections, including Uzbekistan’s parliamentary elections on October 27, 2024.

Following early presidential elections in 2023, which showcased political maturity and broad support for reforms, the upcoming parliamentary elections will empower the parliament under the new Constitution. Local elections will also occur for various representative bodies.

These elections are particularly significant as they are conducted within a newly shaped socio-political environment. Major reforms have modernized the country, enhancing the roles of parliament and political parties while improving election processes. Elections will be based on universal, equal, and direct suffrage with secret voting.

The amended Constitution specifies that only citizens deemed legally incapacitated or imprisoned for severe crimes may be restricted from voting, eliminating unnecessary barriers to electoral participation.

3. Innovations in Electoral Legislation and Process

The upcoming parliamentary elections will be notable for several reasons:

1. **Mixed Electoral System**: For the first time, elections to the Legislative Chamber will combine majoritarian and proportional systems. Voters will directly elect 75 deputies, while another 75 will be chosen via party lists, requiring a minimum of 7% of the vote for parties to gain representation.
2. Digitization. Election commissions will fully digitize operations, allowing about 60 types of interactions to occur electronically through the “E-saylov” information system. This will streamline procedures and minimize bureaucracy.
3. Refined Legislation: Electoral laws have been aligned with advanced democratic standards, introducing a new system of permanent electoral bodies led by the Central Election Commission.
4. Pluralistic Vote Counting: Candidates can now be elected by receiving a relative majority of votes, eliminating runoff elections.
5. Increased Female Representation: Political parties must now ensure that at least 40% of their candidates are women, up from 30%.

In the October elections, 150 deputies of the Legislative Chamber and 208 local councils will be elected. An active campaigning process is underway, with political parties adhering to ethical rules to ensure fair practices.

Expect around 30,000 candidates, 120,000 election commission members, and over 1,000 international observers, including a substantial mission from the OSCE. Additionally, 56 polling stations will operate in 39 countries.

These elections exemplify democratic governance in Uzbekistan and are crucial for realizing citizens’ rights to participate in the democratic process according to national and international standards.