TASHKENT: The parliamentary election in Uzbekistan is being conducted under a newly adopted constitution, with changes aimed at safeguarding the interests of the entire population, according to Sarvar Otamuratov, the former leader of the “Milliy Tiklanish” Democratic Party, as reported by Trend News Agency. This election marks the first time the country is using a mixed electoral system, a move intended to enhance the role of political parties.

According to Trend News Agency, voters in Uzbekistan are casting ballots not only for party candidates but also for the specific platforms that these parties represent. Otamuratov highlighted that the election would serve as a barometer for the political parties’ strength. Polling stations opened for the election to the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis (parliament) and local kengashes (councils) of people’s deputies on October 27, with voting hours from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM (GMT+5). Preliminary results are expected on October 28.

Five political parties are partic
ipating 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.” The mixed electoral system, in line with the updated Constitution and national electoral legislation, provides for 75 members of the Legislative Chamber to be elected in single-mandate constituencies using a majoritarian electoral system, while the remaining 75 members will be elected through proportional representation using party lists.

A significant aspect of this year’s elections is the full digitalization of the process via 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 overseeing the election process.