Uzbek President Wins Early Election with 87% Majority... Putin "Congratulations"

Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the President of Uzbekistan, has successfully secured re-election with an overwhelming 87% of the vote.

According to major foreign media on the 10th (local time), the Central Election Commission of Uzbekistan announced the preliminary results of the early presidential election held the previous day, stating that the incumbent President Mirziyoyev, who ran as the ruling party candidate, won with 87.05% of the vote. The other three candidates from opposition parties received only 3-4% of the votes each.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan is casting an early election vote on the 9th (local time) in the capital, Tashkent. [Image source=Yonhap News]

This early presidential election was held after a constitutional amendment, which included extending the presidential term from the current 5 years to 7 years, was passed by a national referendum in April. Therefore, President Mirziyoyev, who is 65 years old this year, will remain in power until 2030 with this victory. If he succeeds in future re-elections, he could serve as president until 2037.

President Mirziyoyev was first elected in December 2016 following the death of former President Islam Karimov, who ruled Uzbekistan with an iron fist for 27 years. Since then, he has promoted political and economic reforms under the slogan "New Uzbekistan." He abolished state regulation of the production and sale of cotton, a major industry in Uzbekistan, ending decades of widespread forced labor in this sector, and has also focused on expanding press freedom and attracting foreign investment.

However, criticism continues that a strong authoritarian regime is maintained due to the absence of political forces to check the president's power.

In foreign relations, President Mirziyoyev has worked to improve relations with the West, which deteriorated during the Karimov era, while maintaining close ties with traditional ally Russia. He has also signed numerous key agreements with China, which is promoting the Belt and Road Initiative (a land and maritime Silk Road connecting China, Central Asia, and Europe).

Upon news of Mirziyoyev’s re-election, Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a congratulatory message, stating, "I sincerely congratulate the President of Uzbekistan on his re-election," and praised Mirziyoyev’s principled stance on strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership and alliance between Russia and Uzbekistan.