Participants exchanged opinions on principles of democratic election, electoral law basis, activity of political parties in election campaign as well as electoral rights of citizens. Besides, it was noted that the system of electoral law of Uzbekistan guarantees electoral rights for every citizen providing court protection of his or her electoral rights, the right of appeal against illegal activities of election commissions, state authorities and officials. Comprehensive independent system of election committees headed by Central Election Commission of the Republic of Uzbekistan ensures preparation and holding election. Particularly, a resolution of Central Election Commission of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On the Concept of Preparation and Holding Elections to Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Regional, District and City Kengashes of People’s Deputies” was adopted on the threshold of upcoming elections.

The law “On Introduction Amendments and Addenda to Some Legislative Acts of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Connection with Perfection of Electoral Legislation”, in force since July, has considerably increased the role of political parties in implementation of reforms directed at democratic renovation and modernization of the country, opportunity to take part in electoral processes of civil society institutions and population.

Participants also discussed regulations which increased representation of political parties in the lower chamber of the parliament from 120 to 150. Of them, 135 seats will be provided to deputies elected on territorial election districts on multi-party system, and the rest 15 will represent the Ecology Movement of Uzbekistan.

As experts note, the adopted norms to electoral law are directed at further promoting activity of political parties, their participation in forthcoming election. The adopted amendments established an order when candidates are nominated only from political parties, in opinion of members of the seminar, will intensify competition among the parties. The right of candidates to hold meetings with voters independently, without electoral commissions, is also an innovation. The Institution of Authorized Representative of Political Party has been recently introduced; number candidates’ authorised representatives has been increased from 5 to 10; requirements to collecting signatures for participating in election have been reduced from 50,000 to 40,000.

Following the conference, participants arrived at a conclusion that adopted amendments are an important factor for further development and liberalization of electoral system in our country.

By Shahruh Nuriev, UT’s parliament observer