The preliminary results of Uzbekistan’s referendum show that 90.21% of voters supported the changes proposed by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to rewrite the country’s Constitution. The reforms promise more freedoms to the people of the former Soviet republic and could also see the President extending his rule beyond his current two-term limit.
International election observers have raised doubts about the fairness of the referendum process, and Uzbekistan’s five recognised political parties all supported the proposals.
The new Constitution would reset the President’s terms, allowing him to contest for two more terms (14 years in total) and theoretically stay in power until 2040.
The promised changes are seen as a welcome move in a fast-changing country by many Uzbeks, particularly women and youth. The new Constitution also promises more media freedoms, but journalists remain sceptical about its implementation.