Uzbekistan's Central Election Commission has recently initiated the election campaign, officially registering five political parties: the Liberal-Democratic Party of Uzbekistan (UzLiDeP), the Milliy Tiklanish (National Revival) Democratic Party, the Ecological Party of Uzbekistan, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and the Adolat (Justice) Social-Democratic Party, to compete in the parliamentary elections set for October 27.
As Uzbekistan prepares for its upcoming parliamentary election, attention is once again on the role of political parties in tackling the nation's social and economic challenges. After the era of strict control under Islam Karimov, Uzbekistan's political parties began showing more activity, largely due to reforms introduced by President Mirziyoyev's government after 2016. The introduction of a mixed electoral system in the upcoming parliamentary elections may revitalize political parties.
A New Phase of Political Party Activity
For years, the country’s official political parties operated under government oversight, outwardly representing societal interests yet remaining somewhat distant from the general public. With Mirziyoyev's rise to power in 2016, Uzbekistan's political scene began to shift. Mirziyoyev criticized the parties for their inactivity and introduced reforms aimed at fostering a more engaged role for political parties in shaping policy. According to the government's Action Strategy, the parliament was meant to serve as a platform for open debate, enhancing policy decisions, and fostering political culture. As part of this strategy, an online portal was launched to gather feedback from citizens on key issues. As a result of these reforms, political parties have become more vocal, particularly on topics like economic reforms and governance.
During the 2019 parliamentary elections, Uzbekistan witnessed an active electoral campaign. National TV hosted vibrant debates where party leaders openly criticized each other as well as specific government officials. This election marked a significant step for the new administration. It was seen as a key moment in President Mirziyoyev’s strategy of openness and liberalization. The event drew a record number of international observers, including the participation of a full-scale mission from the OSCE for the first time in Uzbekistan’s history.
The “New Uzbekistan – New Elections” campaign sought to convince citizens that elections could foster real change, showcasing a cautious yet noticeable shift toward freer public discourse.
As a result of the election, several new MPs emerged as active participants in the social and political landscape of Uzbekistan. Prominent figures such as Nodir Jumayev, Rasul Kusherbayev and Alisher Kadirov gained popularity by addressing issues like deforestation and monopolies in the automotive industry. What set these MPs apart was their use of social media to engage with citizens, allowing them to build significant followings. The rise of these figures expressing alternative views on major social and economic issues represents a positive shift. Moreover, the parliament now enjoys greater powers, including approving ministers, endorsing the annual budget, and receiving quarterly government reports, enhancing oversight of the executive branch.
One of the significant trends seen during this period was the increasing use of social media by MPs to connect directly with the public. This digital outreach has provided a platform for greater transparency and interaction between elected officials and their constituents, helping bridge the gap between government and society. As Uzbekistan continues to embrace these platforms, ensuring that social media complements broader efforts to engage citizens, including those in rural areas, will foster inclusive participation in the political process.
Despite this progress, challenges remain. A survey conducted by Kun.uz revealed that most citizens could not identify their MPs, apart from a few figures popular on social media. This disconnection limits the parties' ability to advocate effectively for public interests. Additionally, political parties in Uzbekistan tend to focus predominantly on domestic issues such as economic growth, social welfare, education, and corruption, while foreign policy is often overlooked or aligned with the government’s stance. There may be value in expanding public dialogue on foreign policy as Uzbekistan strengthens its role on the regional and global stage.
Will the Changes Yield Results?
Uzbekistan’s political reforms under President Mirziyoyev have been met with positive reactions, both domestically and internationally. However, as with any significant change, there is a need for continued reflection on how these reforms can be strengthened to ensure that political pluralism is fully realized. While steps like the introduction of a mixed electoral system represent progress, further opportunities may exist to broaden political engagement and ensure that all voices in society are represented in the decision-making process.
As Uzbekistan continues to evolve politically, there are opportunities to include the perspectives of independent observers and civil society organizations. International observers, such as the OSCE, have noted improvements in the electoral process while also suggesting areas where further progress could be beneficial. By incorporating these perspectives, Uzbekistan can highlight its achievements and continue enhancing political inclusivity and transparency.
As Uzbekistan approaches its next parliamentary elections, the government needs to consider how political parties can evolve into true vehicles for representing public interests and shaping effective policies.
As Uzbekistan approaches its next parliamentary elections, the government should consider how political parties can evolve into vehicles that genuinely represent public interests. Uzbekistan’s political parties have operated in a way that resembles a "division of labor," with each party focusing on particular societal groups or specific issues. For example, the People’s Democratic Party of Uzbekistan champions those in need of social protection, while the Liberal Democratic Party advocates for business interests. While this has helped address particular concerns, parties should also broaden their platforms to resonate with a wider range of citizens and address the full spectrum of societal issues.
Uzbekistan’s recent elections have been marked by increased openness and participation, which are promising developments. As the country continues its path of reform, ongoing efforts to enhance transparency will help build greater public trust in the political process. Supporting the development of civil society and the press will further contribute to fostering informed dialogue and strengthening political culture.
While Uzbekistan’s electoral reforms have led to higher levels of public participation, there is still room to deepen engagement between political parties and the electorate. Ongoing dialogue between citizens and their representatives will help ensure that political reforms resonate at all levels of society. By continuing to address voter concerns and expanding political outreach, Uzbekistan can further strengthen its democratic institutions and ensure that the reforms reflect the broader needs of the population.
Center for Progressive Reforms
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