Uzbekistan Parliamentary Elections 2024: Insights from an International Observer
On October 27, 2024, Uzbekistan held elections for the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis and local kengashi under the slogan “My choice is—my prosperous homeland.” This election represented another milestone in Uzbekistan’s ongoing commitment to democratic reforms, civic engagement, and institutional growth. The enthusiasm for the democratic process was palpable, with a voter turnout of approximately 74.72%, reflecting the active participation of the people in shaping the country’s future. This significant turnout showcased Uzbekistan’s democratic spirit and determination to build a prosperous homeland.
The elections yielded important insights into the country’s political landscape. The Liberal Democratic Party of Uzbekistan (UzLiDeP), led by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, won the majority with 64 out of 150 seats in parliament, securing 42.7% of the vote. The remaining seats were distributed among the Milliy Tiklanish (National Revival) Democratic Party with 14 seats, People’s Democratic Party with 13 seats, Adolat (Justice) Social Democratic Party with 12 seats, and the Ecological Party with 10 seats. This distribution highlighted a diverse political representation, encouraging a balanced approach to governance as Uzbekistan continues its reforms.
This distribution of seats reflects Uzbekistan’s political diversity and the electorate’s desire for balanced representation across various political ideologies. Notably, this election adopted a mixed electoral system, combining majoritarian (single-mandate constituency) and proportional (party lists) representation. This change allowed for more nuanced representation, with 75 deputies elected under each system to complete the 150 seats.
As an international observer, my role was to monitor the preparation and execution of the elections, ensuring they adhered to democratic principles. My first hand experience affirmed that the electoral environment in Uzbekistan was open, transparent, and well-organized. The Central Election Commission (CEC) granted extensive access to international observers, mass media, and relevant stakeholders, fostering an atmosphere of accountability and openness.
Over 15,027,529 citizens within Uzbekistan participated in the voting, which took place across 10,700 polling stations throughout the country. Additionally, 57 stations were set up in 40 countries for overseas voters, with a total of 140,388 votes cast from abroad. This inclusivity underscores Uzbekistan’s commitment to engaging its diaspora and ensuring all citizens could exercise their right to vote. Observing these processes firsthand, I witnessed a high level of preparedness and professionalism among the election staff, contributing to an orderly election day.
A key highlight of these elections was Uzbekistan’s progressive step toward gender representation. In recent years, Uzbekistan has enacted legislative reforms aimed at expanding women’s participation in politics. For this election, a quota system was introduced to allocate 40% of parliamentary seats to women, compared to the previous 30%. Consequently, women secured 47 of the 150 seats in the Legislative Chamber, marking a significant achievement in promoting gender inclusivity in Uzbekistan’s political landscape. The CEC supported these reforms by conducting campaigns to encourage women’s participation and ensuring a strong representation of women among candidates. Additionally, ballots and voting materials were printed in local languages and made accessible to individuals with disabilities, underscoring Uzbekistan’s commitment to an inclusive electoral process.
The Role of International Observers
The CEC registered 851 international observers, including representatives from organizations such as the OSCE, the SCO, and the CIS Inter-Parliamentary Assembly, a vital role in monitoring the election. Governed by the regulations of the Election Code, international observers were permitted to participate in all election-related activities, ensuring an unbiased and transparent evaluation of the electoral process.
As an international observer, I visited numerous polling stations where young voters’ engagement was particularly impressive, highlighting a growing democratic consciousness among Uzbekistan’s youth. We were guided by clear regulations that governed rights, obligations, and operational frameworks. The individuals working at these polling stations displayed professionalism, while the CEC ensured smooth, well-organized voting procedures. This enthusiasm from young voters signifies an emerging generation committed to participating in Uzbekistan’s democratic future.
The transparency of the election process was ensured through regular broadcasts and timely public announcements by the CEC. Additionally, the CEC’s decision to livestream important meetings and promptly share decisions further demonstrated the electoral body’s commitment to transparency. This openness facilitated public scrutiny and encouraged confidence in the election’s integrity. One of the most inspiring aspects I saw was the active involvement of young people. Young voters approached polling stations with enthusiasm, demonstrating their commitment to shaping their country’s future. The CEC’s measures to ensure transparency were notable. Regular broadcasts and swift decision-making kept the public informed, allowing for real-time oversight of the electoral process. A nationwide training program for local election commission members further strengthened procedural consistency.
We encountered no barriers in monitoring the voting and vote-counting processes, and the election adhered to national and international regulatory frameworks. Transparency was reinforced by the publication of polling station results, demonstrating the government’s commitment to an open democratic process. The careful orchestration of the electoral event was a testament to the CEC’s professionalism and to Uzbekistan’s strides in democratic governance.
Electoral Reforms and Legislative Changes
Uzbekistan’s electoral journey has been shaped by substantial reforms, with legislation that reflects a commitment to democratization. The adoption of the Election Code in 2019 was a milestone, standardizing the electoral framework and laying the groundwork for free and fair elections. More recently, the Constitutional Law on Amendments, passed on December 18, 2023, introduced a mixed electoral system and increased women’s representation, reflecting the nation’s progressive vision. The 2023 amendments also abolished certain voting restrictions, enabling broader citizen participation. This legislative evolution aligns with Uzbekistan’s efforts to meet international norms, and it facilitates a more inclusive political environment. Additionally, the CEC emphasized public engagement by consulting with various civil society groups, including those representing people with disabilities, to enhance accessibility for all citizens. The elections exemplify the broader institutional reforms under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Central to these reforms are the Action Strategy for 2017-2021, the Development Strategy for 2022-2026, and the ambitious Uzbekistan Strategy 2030. These strategies focus on economic development, social welfare, environmental sustainability, the rule of law, and a commitment to a secure, peace-oriented state.
Under the Uzbekistan Strategy 2030, the government has set forth 100 objectives in five priority areas, including creating conditions for individual potential, promoting sustainable economic development, conserving water resources, strengthening public administration, and continuing a policy centered on peace and security. These strategic reforms have elevated Uzbekistan’s position on the international stage, underscoring its progress as an independent, modern nation committed to democratic principles and sustainable growth.
Conclusion
The 2024 parliamentary elections in Uzbekistan are a testament to the nation’s commitment to democratic growth. With enhanced transparency, inclusivity, and significant reforms, the country has demonstrated a strong dedication to international democratic standards. The involvement of youth and the increased representation of women are key indicators of a vibrant, inclusive political landscape. Uzbekistan has demonstrated a clear commitment to its people and the principles of democratic governance, setting a firm foundation for continued progress and stability in the years ahead.
Published by The Daily Big Digit, Islamabad~ (English Language Newspaper for Eurasian Region
