THE Republic of Uzbekistan held its presidential elections on July 9th, 2023. According to the Central Election Commission (CEC) a staggering turnout of 87 percent was registered showing great political activism and vibrancy of the civil society in Uzbekistan.
Almost 800 international observers were invited by the CEC to monitor the entire electoral process. On the special invitation of the CEC the writer also attended the presidential election as one of the international observer from Pakistan. Before delving into the pure electoral process, it is imperative for me to set the country context: Uzbekistan in 2023. The Republic of Uzbekistan gained independence just over three decades ago, in 1991. While relatively new, young, and still developing, the country has experienced significant economic growth and immense development in various sectors of the macro-economy showing the diversification of its national economy. Since inception successive leadership completely preferred economics over politics and initiated numerous structural reforms for liberating economy and achieved qualitative social development in the country. It has been gradually transforming the macro-economy form the centralized orientations to de-centralization with human face which is indeed a commendable re-balancing of pure economics and community development in the country. Thus Uzbekistan achieved market-aligned system. Moreover, there has been tremendous progress in social development, inflation control, production process, investments, efficiency, overall competition, and innovation leading to increased productivity and growth in the country. According to Uzbekistan’s official data, as of the second quarter of 2023, the GDP per capita of the country stands at 3473 USD which is going to further getting momentum in the days to come. In this connection, Uzbekistan being a young nation has followed a holistic and comprehensive path and initiated various structural reforms to diversify its industries and reduce dependence on traditional sectors which is paying its dividends. I personally noticed while landing in this historic and beautiful country that policy makers have successfully transformed its potential of tourism and hospitality. Uzbekistan has been one of the most ideal connecting hubs of culture and heritage since centuries still holds that magic, divinity and grace to attract more and more tourists around the world. Tashkent, the capital city is lined with beautiful hotels, a confortable transportation system, and many captivating attractions of the glorious past and splendid present.The government has further simplified its visa procedures and promoted cultural exchanges. It has also collaborated and clubbed together prominent artistes, performers, and scholars as well as those looking to further enhance the connectivity between the two nations in terms of business and trade. It seems that the government of Uzbekistan is seriously working on formation of Corridor of Knowledge which is good omen for the further strengthening of bilateral relations between two nations. Most recently I was in Uzbekistan I was officially accompanied by Ms. Murtazakhodjarva Maktuba, working as a Senior teacher teaching young people Urdu and actively strengthening the ties between the two nations and Ms. Zukhra Yunusova, working in Aloqa Bank. On Sunday last week, the incumbent president H.E. Shavkat Mirziyoyev was re-elected to lead the country for the next seven. The presidential election was contested among four candidates and the reelected Mirziyoyev actually gained grand slid victory. Since 2016 the President achieved economic stability and sustainability. Mirziyoyev has over the years spearheaded a series of transformative reforms aimed at modernizing the country and improving the lives of the Uzbek people. Since 2016, he has been working tirelessly towards political liberalization, combating corruption, and promoting political engagement. His vision has also pursued an open and cooperative foreign policy, strengthening regional ties and engaging with the international community.
In this regard, on the economic front, the then and now president has focused on attracting foreign investment, streamlining bureaucracy, and diversifying industries. Efforts to improve human rights conditions and social welfare have also been made. Now, in 2023, while the country is making progress and achieving great strides in development, it is no secret that many challenges still persist. However, it is equally important to note that the reelected president has a vision that has set the developmental tone of the country. The country seems to be in good hands and I do hope that our beloved Pakistan may also learn good things from Uzbekistan and further strengthen the threads of collaboration and cooperation between the two. Lastly, most international media outlets have rated the 2023 elections as “scripted, one-sided, and a mere formality”. However, having observed the entire process firsthand, I, in my limited capacity of an international observer testify the election was free, fair, and open to all. It was simply a grand show of pure democracy and free will of its people. I observed a sense of national cohesion a very forward-looking supportive attitude among all the Uzbek people during the most recently presidential election. I congratulate H.E. Shavkat Mirziyoyev for taking official oath of presidency for the next term of seven years and wish him the best of luck for his full term. I also extend my heartfelt congratulations to the respective people and institutions of Uzbekistan for being able to effectively carry out yet another round of free, fair, and truly democratic elections.
—The writer is Executive Editor of Pakistan Observer.
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