Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev Likely to Retain Power in Early Presidential Election

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev yesterday voted in an early presidential election in which he is likely to retain power in Central Asia’s largest country by population, as Mirziyoyev, who was elected in 2016 and then re-elected in 2021, called for. early elections following a referendum on constitutional amendments that were supported by more than 90% of voters in this oil-rich country, strategically located in the heart of Central Asia.

Transfer of Presidency

Among the most notable measures is the transfer of the presidency from a five-year term to a seven-year term, not counting the two presidential terms that Mirziyoyev will serve at the end of this year.

Thus, in theory, he would be allowed to hold the position for two more terms between 2026 and 2040.

Foregone Conclusion

The outcome is no doubt a foregone conclusion, as all voters polled by Agence France-Presse confirmed they would vote for the outgoing president, who is running against three smaller rivals.

Economic Hardship and Migration

In this youth-majority country with high population growth, economic hardship persists despite development and many residents are forced to move to Russia to support their families.