A constitutional referendum seeks to keep Mirziyoyev in power

2023-04-30 11:48:21

First modification: 30/04/2023 – 11:48

From very early this Sunday, the voting centers are ready to receive thousands of voters in Uzbekistan who will exercise their right to vote, in a decisive referendum that could keep President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in power until 2040.

The polling stations opened their doors at 8 in the morning and must close twelve hours later. Among the main measures included in this referendum are increasing the presidential term from five to seven years and making it easier for the current leader, 65, to remain in power until 2040.

The authorities consider that the modification of two thirds of the Constitution will democratize and improve the standard of living of the 35 million inhabitants, subjected for a long time to a highly repressive regime. However, various political analysts say that the main beneficiary of the result of this referendum will be President Mirziyoyev.

Many of the analysts have doubts that the text will be answered, in a country where the media are controlled. Two journalists working for state media told AFP on condition of anonymity that they had been ordered “to cover Uzbekistan, the referendum and the president in a positive way.”

The other side of the coin

The government has tried to give the vote legitimacy, recruiting local celebrities for huge rallies and filling the capital Tashkent with advertisements to encourage participation. Bell that seems to take effect. For Agay Danilov, an 18-year-old student, the referendum is “a good idea.” “We can choose the future of our country,” he told AFP.

Since coming to power in 2016 after the death of authoritarian Islam Karimov, Mirziyoyev has embarked on a series of economic and social reforms. According to various activists, these measures did not put an end to the abuses and appeasement of the opposition.

In July 2022, in the autonomous region of Karakalpakstan, various demonstrations were held against a constitutional amendment. This mobilization ended with a violent repression that left 21 dead.

Loyal to Prime Minister Karimov, Mirziyoyev tries to show a more modern face and advocates for a fairer “New Uzbekistan”. Among the novelties of his reform is the prohibition of the death penalty and respect for human rights.