At a press briefing held by the leadership of the Central Election Commission of Uzbekistan regarding the results of the early presidential elections, correspondent Navbahor Imamova from "Voice of America" posed questions about the independence of the CEC and the level of trust the voters can place in it. She also inquired about the discrepancies between the reports of the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) of the OSCE and the assessments of the Central Election Commission regarding the democratic nature of the elections.
"We, as an international media outlet, strive to provide objective information about Uzbekistan. We do not see the situation in black and white. Therefore, for the past week, we have been studying the opinions of the people, the public," said Navbahor Imamova.
She informs that dozens of Uzbek citizens she interviewed spoke not about a new or democratic Uzbekistan but about the real Uzbekistan in which they live.
"They are grateful to President Mirziyoyev, and even if they do not support him in all aspects, they are willing to vote for him. However, in the Uzbekistan they live in, the opportunity for choice is limited, there is no political opposition, and people want that," she added.
The journalist noted that these voters do not see the CEC as a democratic institution or an independent commission and believe that its statements do not reflect what they feel.
"How do you see your role? In the seventh year of reforms, what sets the commission apart? How do you operate now? And how independent are you?"
In response to Navbahor Imamova's questions about the independence of the Central Election Commission (CEC), Bahrom Kuchkarov, the Deputy Chairman of the CEC, emphasised that the commission considers itself independent. He stated that throughout their entire tenure, they have not faced any external pressure or received instructions from anyone. Kuchkarov highlighted their commitment to abiding by the law and fulfilling the requirements outlined in the Constitution and the Electoral Code. He asserted that the commission operates within the scope of their defined powers and functions. According to Kuchkarov, the independence of the electoral body is a fundamental principle upheld universally. He concluded by noting that no one has questioned their independence thus far, and they continue to carry out their work accordingly.
In response to the journalist's remarks, Khudoyor Mamatov, the Secretary of the CEC, made several points to highlight the perspective of the commission. Mamatov requested that when expressing an opinion on behalf of the society, it should reflect the views of objective, impartial, and real representatives of the society. He argued that the results of the recent elections clearly demonstrated the overwhelming support of Uzbekistan's citizens for the country's policy of openness and transparency.
Mamatov also addressed the criticism from OSCE/ODIHR, noting that while they often criticise the CEC in their conclusions, they also recognize its positive aspects. He referred to the positive assessments given by the Bureau following the 2019 parliamentary elections, the 2021 presidential elections, and the recent referendum. These assessments acknowledged the adherence to international electoral standards and provided recommendations for further development in certain areas to align with international norms.
Mamatov highlighted the presence of approximately 800 representatives from international missions and foreign states who witnessed the open and transparent election processes. He emphasised that the majority of the observers expressed positive conclusions through the media. While acknowledging the media's freedom to express opinions, Mamatov urged them to maintain objectivity and impartiality in their reporting.
Another response to the journalist's viewpoint, Sherzodkhon Kudratkhojaev, a member of the CEC, expressed his perspective, representing the media and drawing on his experience. He acknowledged his familiarity with Navbahor Imamova and emphasised the importance of truth, invoking Socrates' philosophy. Kudratkhojaev pointed out the disparity in perspectives, stating that while the journalist had the opportunity to speak with a limited number of individuals during her visit, he, being in Uzbekistan, had interacted with thousands of people at polling stations and other locations.
Kudratkhojaev compared the present elections with the past, specifically mentioning the administration of Karimov. He highlighted the significant changes in the electoral process in Uzbekistan over the years, based on his extensive experience working in the CEC since 1999. He emphasised that Uzbekistan holds elections based on its own rules and Constitution, not merely to please international organisations like the OSCE. Kudratkhojaev pointed to the real numbers and voter turnout as indicators of the genuine sentiment in Uzbekistan, citing specific figures from the recent elections.
While expressing his respect for Navbahor Imamova, Kudratkhojaev believed that her interactions with a limited number of individuals may not fully represent the overall mood and sentiments of the population. He emphasised that the reforms undertaken in Uzbekistan over the past seven years are visible to the general population, leading to the current electoral results.
Kudratkhojaev also stressed the independence of the present CEC, highlighting the open and critical discussions that take place within the commission without fear of repercussions. He expressed confidence in the people of Uzbekistan to provide an objective and fair assessment of the elections.
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