Backed by people's trust, Mirziyoyev seals third term in power Uzbekistan chooses the path of development

The incumbent president, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, has won the early presidential election in Uzbekistan with 87 per cent of the vote. It should be recalled that early elections in this country became possible after significant amendments to the country's constitution were adopted in a referendum in late April. The amendments also provide for the extension of the presidential term from five to seven years and allow Mirziyoyev to zero out previous periods as head of state.

Western liberal media lashed out at Mirziyoyev saying he is consolidating his own power. The remark is dubious. If only because the Western political system does not exclude the strong power of any leaders. Suffice it to recall Angela Merkel's sixteen-year tenure as Chancellor of Germany. Even in a country with well-established democratic traditions, where it seems that the "system" should rule rather than a person, the German people elected Mrs. Merkel as head of government four times through their representatives.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev himself explained the early elections by the need for urgent political, social, and economic reforms in the face of complex global and regional challenges. Indeed, such global challenges as China's economic expansion, the intensification of Russia's imperial tendencies, and instability on the southern borders, primarily in Afghanistan, require the Uzbek people to make certain changes in the system of state functioning, including the ability to elect a leader for a longer term. In such a complex geography and international situation, the desire to consolidate power and increase the time of rule is more an indicator of responsibility for the fate of their country than a desire to retain high office. In the end, the Uzbek people had the last word.

However, it should be noted that the extension of the presidential term is not the only change in the Constitution. The adopted package of amendments provides for a number of progressive changes in such areas as the economy, human rights, and social policy.

Last year's events in Karakalpakstan showed that external forces are not averse to shattering stability in the large Central Asian country. The reason for the unrest was the proposed exclusion from the draft of the new Constitution of the country of the paragraphs defining the autonomous status of Karakalpakstan. This sparked protests in the streets of Nukus, the capital of the autonomy. Unfortunately, casualties could not be avoided. However, Mirziyoyev demonstrated mastery of management and supreme state will, preventing the situation from escalating. With his courage, the president, contrary to the cliché about "the cruelty of eastern despotisms", satisfied the demands of the protesters. The Karakalpak autonomy will continue to exist.

The head of state was not afraid to look weak in the eyes of the public and the nation. All of his policies testify to his strength. The first time the Uzbek people made their choice in favor of Mirziyoyev in 2016. Since then, the incumbent president has managed to prove that he is an effective leader of the state. A number of measures have been taken to improve the economy. For example, the liberalization of currency policy, which removed a significant obstacle to foreign investment and foreign trade. According to the presidential decree signed on September 2, 2017, the exchange rate of the Uzbek sum began to be determined by the Central Bank based on the results of trading at the currency exchange. This allowed the formation of an efficient market with open competition and expanded opportunities for trade and currency exchange. The previous currency policy created a number of restrictions: for example, exporters were obliged to sell foreign currency proceeds to the state, and companies with foreign participation often had difficulties transferring their funds abroad.

In general, while paying tribute to Islam Karimov's merits in building and consolidating modern Uzbek statehood, one must at the same time recognize that the late president pursued an overly conservative economic and interstate policy, which led to a certain foreign policy isolation of Uzbekistan. The heirs of the great Timur, who deserved to play a more active role in the international arena, were for many years satisfied with a modest role as an eastern periphery. It was with Mirziyoyev's arrival that the Uzbek people realized that they could do better and become a significant part of the world.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev's new regional policy made it possible to create a completely different political reality in the region and strengthen interrelations with neighbors on the basis of trust. Tashkent has managed to regulate some acute issues in its interaction with Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, as well as to breathe new life into the already existing constructive relations with Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan.

Without exaggerating at all, it can be said that with Mirziyoyev, Uzbekistan, using its position as the geographical core of Central Asia, has given impetus to a new, higher-quality round of development of this crucial region.

Uzbekistan's ties with major international players, as well as activities within the framework of international organizations, have been significantly intensified.

Bilateral relations between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan also reached a qualitatively new level after 2016. Many documents have been signed on cooperation in a wide range of economic spheres. Uzbekistan is involved in the reconstruction of the Karabakh region.

Mirziyoyev's proactive foreign policy course is evident, in particular, in the increasing role the Uzbek leader assigns to his country in building a strong inter-Turkic partnership and enhancing the international standing of the Organization of Turkic States. It is also encouraging that in two major Turkic countries - Türkiye and Uzbekistan - in this difficult period of almost global history, the people have elected strong leaders who are devoted to their nation, their people, who reliably protect the sovereignty of their countries and do not forget about strengthening the all-Turkic solidarity.

The Uzbek people have made their choice. We support it.