Polls closed in Uzbekistan, results tomorrow

(ANSA) – ROME, OCTOBER 28 – The polls for the legislative elections in Uzbekistan have closed, the counting of votes has begun which does not lead to major surprises, given that no party in the running opposes the government of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, in office since 2016. The final results will be announced tomorrow. The local media reported it. Voting day ended with a turnout of over 70 percent: out of 19 million eligible voters, almost 15 million citizens went to the polls. Voters voted to elect 150 members of the Legislative Chamber and 56 of the Senate, representatives of regional districts, the capital Tashkent, 208 municipal councils and the Karakalpakstan autonomous region. For the first time, electronic voting was tested in some polling stations in the capital. Fifty-seven polling stations allowed voting abroad, in Uzbekistan’s diplomatic missions in 40 countries. Five political parties, including the Liberal Democratic Party led by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, are competing in the race. “For the first time in our history,” said Election Commission Chairman Zayniddin Nizamkhodjaev, “five politicians have nominated 100 percent of the candidates for deputies at all levels,” he said, adding that over 800 foreign and international observers are monitoring the elections. In fact, there is no real competition: there are differences in focus between the parties, some of which emphasize issues such as working environments or environmental protection, but none of them oppose Mirziyoyev. A new electoral system is being tested after years of reforms aimed at economic liberalization and the easing of censorship. (HANDLE).