Elections in Uzbekistan Plan

Previous Elections
ODIHR has observed four elections in Uzbekistan since 1999, most recently the 2009 parliamentary elections. ODIHR concluded that the 27 December 2009 parliamentary elections in the Republic of Uzbekistan “took place in the context of Uzbekistan’s declared ‘step-by-step approach’ towards further democratization. While some of the December 2008 amendments to the election law slightly improve the legal framework for elections, their good faith implementation remains indispensable to ameliorate electoral practices in Uzbekistan. However, other amendments, such as providing 15 reserved seats in the lower chamber for the Ecological Movement of Uzbekistan and the abolishment of the possibility for civic initiative groups to nominate independent candidates, constituted further departures from OSCE commitments. These provisions are contrary to paragraph 7.2 and 7.5 of the 1990 OSCE Copenhagen Document, respectively. Overall, the election legislation continues to fall short of OSCE commitments and requires significant improvements.”
ODIHR has also issued a joint opinion on Draft Amendments and Addenda to the Law “On Elections to the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan” and “On Elections to the Regional, District and City Councils (Kengesh) of People’s Deputies of Uzbekistan”, together with the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe.
Parliamentary Elections, 27 December 2009

A mobile ballot box was used to enable this housebound Bukhara resident to cast her vote during the 27 December 2009 parliamentary elections in Uzbekistan. (OSCE/Alex Yurin) Photo details

Mission at a glance

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  Head of Mission: Ambassador Jolanda Brunetti (Italy)
  
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  14 international experts and support staff from 13 OSCE participating States
  

Mission schedule

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  3 December: deployment of core team
  
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  27 December: election day
  
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  31 December: mission ends
  

Uzbekistan invited ODIHR to observe the 27 December parliamentary elections. Subsequently, ODIHR conducted a needs assessment mission that recommended the deployment of an election assessment mission composed of a core team of analysts but without long- or short-term observers.
In light of the lack of a genuinely pluralistic choice for voters and given the fact that most previous ODIHR recommendations remain unaddressed, the deployment of an election observation mission, even of a limited nature, was not considered meaningful. ODIHR has never deployed a full-fledged election observation mission to Uzbekistan due to a lack of minimum conditions for democratic elections. Previous elections were assessed as generally falling short of OSCE commitments.
ODIHR's assessment mission was established in Tashkent on 2 December. Led by Ambassador Jolanda Brunetti, it included 14 analysts and support staff from 13 OSCE participating States, but no long- or short-term observers were deployed. The mission included a media-monitoring component.
According the mission's final report: "The 27 December 2009 parliamentary elections took place in the context of Uzbekistan’s declared “step-by-step approach” towards further democratization. While some of the December 2008 amendments to the election law slightly improve the legal framework for elections, their good faith implementation remains indispensable to ameliorate electoral practices in Uzbekistan. However, other amendments, such as providing 15 reserved seats in the lower chamber for the Ecological Movement of Uzbekistan and the abolishment of the possibility for civic initiative groups to nominate independent candidates, constituted further departures from OSCE commitments. These provisions are contrary to paragraph 7.2 and 7.5 of the 1990 OSCE Copenhagen Document, respectively. Overall, the election legislation continues to fall short of OSCE commitments and requires significant improvements."