In July 2023, presidential elections were held in Uzbekistan. The result surprised no one. By a wide margin, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the incumbent president known for his reforms, won. Just type in Google “president uzbekistan shavkat mirziyoyev” and it’s amazing how much the country has changed in less than seven years.
A bit of history
The previous president of Uzbekistan was Islam Karimov. In total, his alignment lasted 27 years. He saw the country as a continuation of the Soviet Union, with a command economy, forced labor and political persecution. Citizens of Uzbekistan were struck in civil rights. Low wages and lack of jobs forced them to leave to work abroad.
But in 2016 the leader of the state died. He was replaced by the same Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The politician took the exact opposite course – towards liberalization. He turned Uzbekistan into a country with an open market economy, established international contacts, and was able to attract foreign investors. He canceled the ban on the exchange of the national currency (it is called “sum”) for a foreign one, which gave the business a powerful impetus. Actively fought against bureaucracy and corruption.
The new president has not forgotten about civil rights either. Introduced new liberal laws protecting citizens, freed political prisoners. And in general, he established contact with the population: now anyone can contact Mirziyoyev on social networks and report on the problem.
More about voting
Shavkat Mirziyoyev has achieved good results: the situation in the country has become much more stable. We are pleased with the confident and rapid economic growth. For example, in 2022 it was 6%. The World Bank, meanwhile, assures that the reforms undertaken are not enough. A lot of work is needed to bring the standard of living in Uzbekistan up to European standards.
The elections were held out of turn: the presidential term has not yet ended. The current one also lasts seven years and will end in 2023. Mirziyoyev won without real competition: the citizens gave him 87% of the vote. The president promised to stick to the old course.
Further program
By 2030, the population of Uzbekistan should grow to 40 million people. The desired figure for export earnings in the same year is $45 billion. The president uses these numbers as a guideline. To provide everything necessary for future residents of the country, he develops infrastructure and education, builds hospitals and schools with the help of investors. To maintain the pace of economic growth, it focuses on energy and relations with foreign partners. Among the latter, in addition to the EU countries, are Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.
Shavkat Mirziyoyev expects to double the size of the Uzbek economy by the end of the seven-year period. The International Monetary Fund is convinced that the president has every chance.