Uzbekistan, Tashkent, 30 July / Trend D.Azizov /
The "Bloc of Democratic Forces" in the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis (lower house of parliament) with factions UzLiDeP (the Liberal Democratic Party), the Democratic Party "Milly Tiklanish" (National Revival) and the Social Democratic Party "Adolat" (Justice) decided at the joint meeting to initiate the amendments to the law "On political parties" to strengthen the powers and responsibilities of party groups in the local councils of people's deputies, the press service of the Parliament told Trend on Tuesday.
The meeting noted that the country's political parties are now becoming the most effective tool in improving socio-political participation and building a civil society in the country as a result of comprehensive measures to liberalize the political system.
In particular, a number of changes and amendments have been introduced to the articles of the Constitution, the rules of the Legislative Chamber of Parliament and the electoral law.
Additional conditions and incentives have been created to significantly strengthen political and party competition - the most important component of a democratic society - both in the Legislative Chamber, and within the local councils of people's deputies.
However, there is a need for further development of a multi-party system, increasing the activity of parties and enhancing competition in the political arena of the country.
In this regard, the meeting offered to review at the legislative level the conditions and procedures for the formation of the party groups, above all, more clearly defining the conditions and procedures for their establishment within local representative bodies.
Deputies also noted the importance of setting the lower limit of the number of deputies needed for the formation of the party groups within the local councils of people's deputies as well as giving additional powers to the party groups.
The importance of legislative consolidation of mandatory review of proposals made by party groups over issues submitted to the representative bodies of power was also emphasized.
In general, participants were unanimous in their opinion that the improvement of legislation will serve as an important stimulus for further growth of the role and influence of political parties in representative bodies of state authority in the field, enhance their role and influence on democratic socio-political and socio-economic reforms in the country.
The law "On political parties" was adopted in Uzbekistan in December 1996.
Currently, there are four political parties in the country: the People's Democratic Party of Uzbekistan, the Movement of business people and entrepreneurs - Liberal Democratic Party of Uzbekistan (UzLiDeP), the Social Democratic Party "Adolat" (Justice) and the Democratic Party of Uzbekistan "Milly Tiklanish".
Uzbekistan has a bicameral parliament since 2005. 150 deputies elected for a term of five years from the four political parties and the Ecological Movement of Uzbekistan are represented in the Legislative Chamber. The upper house consists of 100 senators.