Uzbekistan - 05 December 1999 Elections
In the 05 December 1999 parliamentary election no significant differences were noted in the platforms of the five registered political parties. In general, neither the registered parties nor independent candidates nominated by citizens’ initiative groups offered genuine alternatives to the electorate. During the pre-election phase, individuals, groups, political parties and non-governmental organizations that oppose the government could not freely associate, present their views and take part in the political and electoral process. The opportunities to campaign were extremely limited due to restrictions imposed by law. Election commissions imposed a strict control on all campaign activities. No outdoor rallies were allowed and indoor meetings could be arranged only by the authorities and when all other candidates in the district were invited. Material assistance was only allowed through a State fund, dispensed under the authority of the election administration and equally allocated to all candidates.
Election of the Deputies of Oliy Majlis of second convention (2000-2004) was participated, beside the bodies of representative power, by five political parties and initiative groups of votes. Oliy Majlis of second convention registered faction of the Social-Democratic Party “Adolat”, uniting 11 Deputies, faction of Democratic Party “Milliy tiklanish” – 10 Deputies, “Vatan tarakkiyoti” Party faction – 20 Deputies, faction of National-Democratic Party “Fidokorlar” – 34 Deputies, faction of the National-Democratic Party of Uzbekistan – 49 Deputies, block of Deputies nominated by representative power bodies – 107 Deputies, and block of Deputies nominated by initiative groups of voters – 16 Deputies. As “Vatan tarakkiyoti” Party merged into “Fidokorlar”, Deputies of their respective factions in the parliament formed a single 54- Deputy faction during the second session of Oliy Majlis of second convention.
As an outcome of constitutional reform stipulated by transition to bicameral parliament and on the basis of changes made in the Constitution of Uzbekistan, as well as adoption of the basic constitutional laws, two-round elections of Deputies of Legislative Chamber were organized. To hold the election, the Central Election Commission of Uzbekistan has formed 120 election districts divided into electoral precincts in accordance with the law “On election of Deputies of Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan”.
Serious concerns that the electoral framework in Uzbekistan could not permit a pluralist and competitive election prompted the OSCE/ODIHR not to establish a standard Election Observation Mission for the 5 December 1999 parliamentary election. No significant differences were noted in the platforms of the five registered political parties. In general, neither the registered parties nor independent candidates nominated by citizens’ initiative groups offered genuine alternatives to the electorate.
Fundamental freedoms in Uzbekistan are severely restricted. During the pre-election phase, individuals, groups, political parties and non-governmental organisations that oppose the government could not freely associate, present their views and take part in the political and electoral process. Freedom of association is limited through denial of registration by the Ministry of Justice to non-governmental organisations and political parties that criticise state authorities and their policy. Freedom of assembly is limited by a Soviet era decree, which only permits indoor public meetings and demonstrations, and only with prior consent of authorities. The electronic and printed media are subject to structural censorship through direct control, as well as licensing and registration obstacles.
Since the 1994 parliamentary elections in Uzbekistan, the legislative framework for the election of deputies to the Oliy Majlis was improved. However, further improvements are necessary to meet OSCE commitments. In particular, the law on the Elections for the Oliy Majlis, the law on the Central Election Commission, the law on political parties, and the laws regulating the functioning of the mass media should be reviewed. Provisions regulating the registration of political parties severely limit possibilities for the development of new parties. Provisions regarding the registration of candidates are inadequate. The provisions on election administration do not guarantee independence and impartiality.
The executive power, in particular through its local branches, unduly interfered with the election process. The Khokims (governors and mayors), having both legislative and executive powers, and Khokimats (executive apparatus) at regional, district and city levels were heavily involved in and exercised overwhelming influence on the electoral process, including a key role in the nomination of candidates and the conduct of the elections.
The opportunities to campaign were extremely limited due to restrictions imposed by law. Election commissions imposed a strict control on all campaign activities. No outdoor rallies were allowed and indoor meetings could be arranged only by the authorities and when all other candidates in the district were invited. Material assistance was only allowed through a State fund, dispensed under the authority of the election administration and equally allocated to all candidates.
The absence of a diverse and independent mass media stunted the development of a genuine political debate and campaign during the elections. Although censorship is formally prohibited, in reality authorities exercised a strict control on the mass media akin to censorship. Burdensome registration and licensing requirements, heavy taxation and other forms of pressure resulted in self-censorship.
In the end, the 95% voter turnout announced by the Central Election Commission on election day and the overwhelming majority of (93%) of Members of Parliament elected from among those nominated by the five registered political parties and executive bodies confirmed initial concerns about the legislative framework and the absence of pluralism in this election.
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