BAKU: More than 300 Uzbek citizens residing in Azerbaijan are set to participate in the upcoming parliamentary elections of Uzbekistan, according to the Uzbek Ambassador Bakhrom Ashrafkhanov, who spoke at a briefing in Baku today.

According to Trend News Agency, Ambassador Ashrafkhanov elucidated that 56 polling stations will be established globally at various Uzbek diplomatic missions to accommodate overseas voters. He specified that one such polling station has been organized in Baku to assist the Uzbek nationals residing there. The ambassador further detailed the voting schedule, stating that early voting would commence on October 16 and continue until October 23, catering to those unable to vote on the official election day, October 27.

Ashrafkhanov emphasized the momentum of democratic reforms in Uzbekistan, underscoring that the ‘Uzbekistan – 2030’ Strategy prioritizes human rights, socioeconomic welfare, civil society engagement, anti-corruption measures, and sustainable environmental practices. He a
lso introduced the mixed electoral system debuting in this election, which combines single-member districts with proportional representation, an initiative proposed by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev post a constitutional referendum.

Highlighting the active electoral campaign, Ashrafkhanov mentioned the participation of five major political parties, including the Liberal Democratic Party of Uzbekistan and the Ecological Party, among others. He also noted an increase in female candidacy, aligning with the revised Electoral Code that mandates women to constitute at least 40 percent of party nominations.