The demand for transparent, fair and inclusive elections is growing year after year on the world political stage. Uzbekistan is not only observing these blizzards, but also actively changing its electoral landscape, laying the foundation for a more dynamic and active democracy.

Legal foundations of the electoral system

The highest legal basis of elections in the country is the Constitution of Uzbekistan, which is not only a legal document, but also a manifestation of democratic values.

The Constitution firmly enshrines the right of every citizen to participate in the electoral process, ensuring that no unjustified restrictions stifle this fundamental freedom. In particular, Article 128 of the Constitution clearly states that citizens of the Republic of Uzbekistan have the right to elect and be elected to representative bodies of state power, the right to vote, equality and freedom of expression of their will are guaranteed by law

Another key document is the Election Code, adopted in 2019, which testifies to the development of Uzbekistan’s democratic ideology. This document embodies the life-affirming democratic idea “The interests of the individual are above all else.”

It emphasizes the priority of human interests, protects the rights of voters and candidates, creates a fair and free electoral environment, and regulates all stages of the electoral process.

Institutional foundations of the electoral system

Important political processes in the life of Uzbekistan – presidential elections, elections to the Oliy Majlis, elections to local councils, the organization and conduct of referendums – are carried out by the system of election commissions.

The system of election commissions includes the Central Election Commission (CEC), regional election commissions, district and city election commissions, district election commissions, precinct election commissions.

The CEC is not only the organizer of elections, but also the custodian of the democratic process. Its members work tirelessly to ensure that every election is free and fair.

Electoral system modernization: historic leap

In 2023, major changes are taking place in Uzbekistan’s electoral legislation. It would not be an exaggeration to say that this is a great positive turning point in the history of the country.

In particular, on December 18, 2023, through amendments and additions to the Electoral Code and seven laws, a mixed electoral system was introduced in the formation of the lower house of parliament in our country. This, in turn, means that the elections will be held in a completely new socio-political environment.

A mixed electoral system is a democratic electoral system that combines two majority-proportional electoral systems.

In the elections held in our country on October 27 this year, for the first time, 75 deputies of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis were elected directly on the basis of a majority system, that is, by voting for the right candidates themselves, and the remaining 75 deputies were elected on the basis of a proportional system – voting for political parties.

Looking at the experience of foreign countries, many countries, including South Korea, Belgium, Hungary, Germany, and others, have a mixed electoral system.

Secondly, in previous elections, a candidate who received a 50+1 or higher vote was legally elected to the parliament, and among strong competitors, it was difficult for candidates to achieve this result. As a result, the second round of elections had to be held automatically. For the two candidates with the highest number of votes from one constituency, another election was held. This led to excessive time, expense, and voter anxiety.

To eliminate such situations, the principle of “relative majority” was used in this year’s elections. Its meaning is that the candidate with the most votes is elected from several candidates vying for the same seat.

Thirdly, the issue of introducing digital technologies into the electoral system has been further expanded. The “E-Saylov” system has been launched. As a result, the consideration and response to appeals were quickly carried out in electronic form.

This system includes information about more than 130 thousand members of election commissions, more than 30 thousand candidates for deputies and their programs, about 70 thousand local and international observers, about 1200-1300 local and foreign media workers.

Fourth, there was a rule that at least 30 percent of the candidates nominated by political parties in the last election were women. In this year’s elections, women made up at least 40 percent of the list of candidates nominated by each mandated constituency and political parties. In this case, two out of every five candidates in the list were women.

Fifth, the legal status of the Central Election Commission has been strengthened in the new edition of the Constitution. According to it, the Central Election Commission, leading the entire electoral system, now organized elections not only for the elections to the Legislative Chamber, but also for the elections to local Kengashes for the first time.

Technological Progress: Introducing a New Digital Democracy

In today’s rapidly developing world, special attention should be paid to improving the electoral system and further deepening democratic principles.

In the 21st century, the main directions for improving the quality and transparency of elections remain inextricably linked to information technologies.

Electronic voting has already been introduced in leading countries around the world, including the United States, Britain, Ireland, Switzerland, and Estonia. From their experience, it is known that information technologies serve as an important tool for accelerating the electoral process and achieving accuracy of results.

For example, in Estonia, it is possible to vote online in parliamentary or local elections. They give their votes through a special online platform using microchip ID cards.

From this perspective, it is necessary to gradually introduce online voting mechanisms into national practice.

Nevertheless, the result is a great responsibility. The transition to online voting creates a need to protect against cyber threats. Ensuring the security and confidentiality of the electoral process is important because any violation could undermine public trust in the democratic system.

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The makhalla serves as a social space, acting as a bridge of trust between society and the state, fostering socialization and cultivating a spirit of tolerance and commitment to the well-being of the community. Across our country, there are 9,435 makhallas, each with a unique name that carries deep historical significance. These names embody the centuries-old, rich history of our people, reflecting its socio-political and economic life, as well as its cultural heritage.

Today, the makhalla plays an active role across all spheres of our social life. Its contributions have become increasingly significant in fostering entrepreneurship, supporting employment, reducing poverty, providing social assistance, and addressing a wide range of socio-economic issues. The primary goal of reforming the makhalla institution is to create dignified living conditions for the population and improve the quality of services delivered.

The makhalla and its management system represent not only a community or place of residence but a fully developed institution of civil self-governance. It plays a vital role in enhancing the socio-political and cultural engagement of the population, strengthening respect for the historical values of the Uzbek people, promoting adherence to ethical standards and accountability in interpersonal relations, and ensuring the diligent fulfillment of civic responsibilities toward society.

Currently, strengthening our country’s prestige and authority, ensuring national unity, and preserving state integrity are being achieved, in part, through the delegation of certain government powers to the makhalla institution. This approach fosters closer engagement between the population and public administration processes, enhances citizens’ trust and confidence in the state, and creates conditions for the elevation of human dignity.

The “Uzbekistan – 2030” Strategy, approved by the Presidential Decree of the Republic of Uzbekistan on September 11, 2023, warrants special attention, as it prioritizes large-scale efforts to build a people-centered state and to enhance the public administration system. In particular, Goal No. 74 focuses on improving the population’s well-being and transforming the makhalla into a “connecting bridge” between society and government bodies, which will aid in addressing everyday issues and improving living conditions in the regions.

Furthermore, plans include transferring at least 30 percent of the responsibilities and functions of agencies such as finance, taxation, and employment to the makhalla level, as well as organizing the provision of over 100 government services within makhallas in a “one-step access” format.

A key element of the new system is the role of the “makhalla seven”  team in identifying and mobilizing the makhalla’s internal resources to deliver social services and assistance to residents. Efforts by representatives of government bodies and organizations working within makhallas are now coordinated to ensure the timely and effective resolution of local issues.

A legislative system regulating the activities of the makhalla institution has been established in the Republic of Uzbekistan. Article 127 of the new edition of the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan states that “… the self-governing bodies of citizens, in accordance with the law, shall have the right to independently resolve issues of local importance, based on the interests of citizens, historical features of development, as well as national values, local customs, and traditions”. The primary regulatory act governing the activities of makhallas is the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On Self-Governing Bodies of Citizens”, adopted on April 14, 2013.

In the Republic of Uzbekistan, self-governing bodies of citizens can be regarded as territorial public associations. Recognizing the makhalla institution as an integral part of the socio-political authority highlights its fundamental distinction from non-governmental non-profit organizations. Self-governing bodies are established on the basis of territoriality and operate within administrative-territorial units.

A number of regulatory acts have recently been adopted to reform the activities and management of makhallas. In particular, the decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, dated December 21, 2023, titled “On Measures to Radically Enhance the Role of the Makhalla Institute in Society and Ensure Its Functioning as a Primary Link in Addressing Population Issues,” established the “Makhalla Seven” structure, which includes the makhalla chairperson, the hokim’s assistant, a youth leader, a women’s issues activist, a preventive inspector, a social worker, and a tax inspector.

As of January 1, 2024, the “Makhalla Budget” system was introduced in all districts and cities. Under this system, each makhalla’s budget is allocated: 10 percent of the funds collected from property and land taxes from individuals (excluding property and land taxes on non-residential premises); 10 percent of fees collected for public services provided through makhalla authorities; proceeds from the sale of state-owned real estate within the makhalla’s territory up to 2,000 square meters, sold via direct online auctions at the request of the hokim’s assistant (after deducting appraisal and sale costs); and revenues from leasing makhalla-owned property according to established procedures.

Ensuring employment and engaging the population in entrepreneurship through identifying “growth points” and implementing “driver projects” within makhallas, as well as developing entrepreneurship based on public-private partnerships, are aimed at reducing poverty and increasing incomes—key objectives of the makhalla work system. At the President’s initiative, large-scale measures have been launched to improve the population’s standard of living. In particular, the decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, dated September 23, 2024, On Bringing Measures to Reduce Poverty and Improve the Well-Being of the Population to a New Stage, and the Resolution of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, dated September 23, 2024, On Priority Measures for the Implementation of the “From Poverty to Prosperity” Program, have elevated Uzbekistan’s poverty reduction policy to a qualitatively new level.

Furthermore, the experience of the Saykhunobod, Uychi, Gijduvan, and Zarbdor districts in the socio-economic development of makhallas in Uzbekistan serves as a unique national model for poverty alleviation. Presidential documents of the Republic of Uzbekistan emphasize that achieving these goals requires not only material support but also a comprehensive approach encompassing economic, spiritual, social, and educational measures. Notably, these documents highlight the importance of psychological and motivational support mechanisms for the population in a market economy.

Key initiatives planned for 2024-2025 are aimed at systematically reducing poverty, with a focus on priority areas and regional target indicators. This program includes infrastructure improvements in 1,000 makhallas facing the most challenging conditions, including enhanced irrigation of household plots, a stable electricity supply, repair of internal roads, and improved internet access. Additionally, “Green Makhalla” projects have been launched.

Work has begun on assessing low-income families using a standardized questionnaire, which allows for the creation of a social profile for each family and the development of individualized poverty reduction plans. These plans, which cover social services and assistance, healthcare, housing, employment, education, and behavioral aspects, are developed by social workers and assistants to hokims, with regular monitoring of their effectiveness and outcomes. 

Plans include allocating 50,000 hectares of land for long-term leases of up to 30 years for low-income families. Additionally, a practice is being introduced to assign 14,000 local leaders and their deputies to support these families.

The Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, dated December 21, 2023, established the Makhalla Association of Uzbekistan. 

The Association’s tasks include: unifying, coordinating, and directing the efforts of government representatives and organizations within makhallas to ensure timely and effective resolution of makhalla issues; 

increasing the financial resources of makhallas and ensuring the targeted and specific allocation of budget and other funds for low-income families; 

improving the material and technical support of makhallas, centralizing the distribution of funds allocated to them, and implementing modern information and communication technologies in the sector; 

and enhancing the qualifications of responsible makhalla officials, assisting in the development of modern management skills.

In Uzbekistan, over the past few years, the poverty rate has declined to 11 percent by the end of 2023, thanks to income opportunities provided to 3.5 million people.

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