PEOPLE of Uzbekistan have, once again, reposed their full trust in the leadership of the incumbent President Shavkat
Mirziyoyev by giving him thumping victory in the presidential elections held on 09 July. He secured 87.05% of the votes in an election that saw a high participation rate, with approximately 80% of eligible voters exercising their right to vote, a reflection of the nation-wide enthusiasm in the presidential elections.
A hallmark of the electoral exercise was that it was held in a transparent and peaceful environment under the watchful eyes of observers and election monitors from across the globe. The results of the early presidential elections confirmed that Shavkat Mirziyoyev retained his popularity and support base as the level of his latest victory equals his first win in 2016 when he got 87.73% of the vote polled. This amounts to overwhelming approval to the people-friendly policies of the President and other reforms that he introduced since 2016 in different spheres of life. Mirziyoyev is regarded by his people as a genuine reformer and founder of a ‘New Uzbekistan’ who aims to double the gross domestic product to $160 billion soon. He has also pledged to open up Uzbekistan further to foreign investment and tourism and implement more reforms in Central Asia´s most populous country. The landslide victory would surely strengthen his hands to pursue his agenda with fresh vigour that has the potential to accelerate the pace of socio-economic progress in the country. Diplomatic observers believe that the re-election of Mirziyoyev brings much-needed stability to Uzbekistan as the country, characterized by strong governance and capable leadership, has the potential to contribute to regional stability in Central Asia. President Mirziyoyev is also seen on a high pedestal by his people for his balanced and visionary foreign policy that ensures safeguarding of core interests of the country as is highlighted by his government’s policy towards the Ukraine war. People of Pakistan join their Uzbek brethren in celebrating the victory of Mr Mirziyoyev, who has repeatedly expressed his desire to expand and strengthen relations with Pakistan in various sectors. The sentiments of Pakistani people were also reflected in the message of felicitation sent by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who expressed his commitment to work with the Uzbek President to further build on Pakistan-Uzbekistan bilateral relations for the benefit of the two countries.
