Uzbekistan Electing Parliament Loyal To President

Uzbekistan’s parliamentary election, lacking opposition, is expected to solidify a pro-Mirziyoyev legislature. Despite reforms, political power remains centralized under the president.

Uzbekistan holds a parliamentary election expected to secure a pro-Mirziyoyev legislature, with opposition parties absent.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who has led since 2016, remains popular for easing strict political and media restrictions and implementing economic reforms, though power largely remains centralized under him.

A 2023 constitutional reform now has half of the 150 parliamentary seats elected through party votes, while the rest are filled by individually elected candidates, all from registered parties supportive of the president.

Voter turnout had surpassed 47% by early afternoon, validating the election, with preliminary results due Monday. While the parliament typically supports the government’s agenda, members have shown occasional independence, particularly in matters of foreign policy.

Milliy Tiklanish (National Revival) party leader Alisher Qodirov recently rebuked Russian criticism over language use in Uzbek schools. Although Uzbekistan maintains close economic ties with Russia and hosts many migrant laborers there, it has chosen neutrality in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and complies with Western sanctions on Moscow.

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