TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, October 27. The parliamentary election in Uzbekistan ensures the protection of the interests of the entire population, the former leader of the "Milliy Tiklanish" Democratic Party Sarvar Otamuratov told Trend.
"This is the first time parliamentary election in Uzbekistan is being conducted under the newly adopted constitution. Last year, Uzbekistan adopted a new constitution, and the country now conducts election using a mixed system. The main goal of the changes to the constitution and other laws is to strengthen the role of political parties," he said.
Otamuratov noted that the people of Uzbekistan are casting their votes not only for party candidates but also for the specific platforms these parties represent. He added that the parliamentary election will serve as a barometer for the strength of the political parties.
To note, polling stations have opened in Uzbekistan for election to the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis (parliament) of the country and to local kengashes (councils) of people's deputies on October 27.Polling stations are open from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM (GMT+5), with preliminary results expected on October 28.
Five parties are participating in the elections: the Movement of Entrepreneurs and Businessmen – Uzbekistan Liberal Democratic Party, Democratic Party "Milliy Tiklanish," Ecological Party, People’s Democratic Party, and Social Democratic Party "Adolat."
This year's elections are being held according to a mixed electoral system in line with the updated Constitution and national electoral legislation. This system provides for 75 members of the Legislative Chamber to be elected in single-mandate constituencies using majoritarian electoral system, while the remaining 75 members will be elected using the proportional representation electoral system with party lists.
Another notable aspect of this year's elections is the full digitalization of the process through the "E-Saylov" information system.
Over 850 foreign and international observers, including missions from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), are monitoring the election process.