Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) —  The European Union has taken note of the preliminary assessment from the OSCE Election Observation Mission following the parliamentary elections in Uzbekistan held on 27 October. This was noted in an EU statement.

In their assessment, the EU highlighted that while the electoral system has gradually developed and the elections were technically well-organized, the political environment remains limited, not providing voters with a genuine choice.

The EU welcomes the progress made during these elections under revised legal regulations, particularly efforts to ensure voting access for people with disabilities and the fact that at least 40% of seats in the new parliament will be occupied by women. The Union congratulates the Uzbek authorities on the technical level achieved during these elections.

However, the EU also notes persistent shortcomings, particularly the fact that only government-approved parties were authorized to nominate candidates, resulting in the absence of opposition parties in the electoral race.

The EU pointed out findings from the OSCE regarding numerous reported violations, abuses, procedural and technical issues on election day, as well as a failure to comply with guarantees that undermine the integrity of the process and compromise transparency.

The EU believes that greater investment in the democratic process in Uzbekistan is necessary to genuinely call the elections fair and free.

Future parliamentary elections should be open to independent candidates. Creating and protecting space for meaningful public discussion, including opposition voices, is crucial for establishing a sustainable environment in which reforms can be implemented, benefiting the country and its people.

The EU remains committed to supporting Uzbekistan in its pursuit of democratic reforms and, in particular, to fully implementing the recommendations of this and previous OSCE/ODIHR observer missions.