Secret changes in Uzbek election system raise questions about parliament's future
Uzbekistan prepares for a unique parliamentary vote with new mixed-election rules this weekend. Five political parties will compete for 150 seats while maintaining their support for the current leadership
This sunday Uzbekistan introduces its first-ever mixed-system parliamentary elections where half of the 150-seat legislature will come from party lists while other seats need individual-candidate voting (but all nominees still come from the same five pro-government parties)
Shavkat Mirziyoyev has led the country since about 8 years ago implementing business-friendly changes and loosening strict rules on media religious and political activities; however the decision-making process stays centralized in his hands
The new voting system comes after last years constitutional update - a change that doesnt really affect the parliaments role as an always-agreeing body for laws coming from Mirziyoyevs cabinet. The five registered parties dont show any opposition to current leadership policies
One notable point of independence showed up when lawmakers spoke about ties with Russia. After a school incident last month where speaking Russian caused problems:
Moscow should focus on its internal matters instead of commenting on our educational system
While many Uzbek workers send money home from jobs in Russia and trade links remain strong the country keeps neutral about the Ukraine situation and follows international rules about business with Moscow
