Uzbekistan Referendum and Shavkat Mirziyoyev Social Reforms
Under the proposed reforms, the constitution will commit the country to a greater protection of human rights, fair and open democratic values, and equality within Uzbekistan.
The constitutional amendments are further designed to enshrine the principles of the rule of law, democratic representation, the separation of powers, and a strengthened civil society.
Mirziyoyev Golden Performances before Referendum
Since assuming the presidency, Mirziyoyev has implemented a number of social reforms aimed at modernizing Uzbekistan and improving the lives of its citizens.
One of Mirziyoyev’s key initiatives has been to improve the country’s human rights record
- Mirziyoyev has released political prisoners, lifted restrictions on media and the internet, and created a public complaints website to address citizen grievances.
- Mirziyoyev has also taken steps to improve the country’s economy and promote foreign investment. He has implemented a number of economic reforms, including reducing state control over the economy, simplifying regulations, and promoting entrepreneurship. In addition, he has worked to improve the country’s infrastructure, including modernizing transportation and expanding access to electricity and natural gas.
- Another area of focus for Mirziyoyev has been education. He has implemented a number of reforms aimed at improving the quality of education in Uzbekistan, including increasing funding for schools, revising the curriculum, and improving teacher training.
- Mirziyoyev has also lifted restrictions on media and the internet. In 2018, Uzbekistan abolished its state censorship agency, the Agency for Press and Information, and eased regulations on foreign media outlets operating in the country.
- President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has made modernizing transportation a priority of his economic and infrastructure development efforts in Uzbekistan. One of the main focuses has been on building new highways and railways. For example, the government has started construction on a high-speed railway line that will connect the capital city of Tashkent with the city of Bukhara in the west of the country. The government has also invested in upgrading existing railways, including modernizing signaling systems and purchasing new rolling stock. In addition to rail, the government has invested in expanding and upgrading Uzbekistan’s road network. This includes building new highways and bridges, as well as rehabilitating and maintaining existing roads.
Referendum Goals
- At an economic level, the constitutional amendments are designed to supportfair competition, the protection of private property, and the development of afavourable investment and business climate. The Government is made responsiblefor ensuring sustainable economic growth, macroeconomic stability, and the implementation of measures to reduce poverty, create decent living conditions,and ensure food security.
- The most important priority of the reform process was strengthening guarantees covering the basic personal rights and freedoms of the country’s citizens. To this end, the reforms would establish that human rights and freedoms belong to everyone from birth, including freedom of speech, media, and assembly.
- For the first time, the constitution will stipulate that human rights and freedoms may be restricted only in accordance with the law, and only to the extent necessary in order to protect the constitutional order, the health and morals of the people, and the rights and freedoms of others, while ensuring public safety and public order. The constitution would also enshrine the principle of habeas corpus.
Conclusion
The referendum will set the path for New Uzbekistan that includes public safety, health of the people, human rights, freedom and strengthened the civil society. In addition, the reforms support economic development in a secure investment and entrepreneurial environment, and establish important environmental protections.
