Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — During a recent Senate plenary session, lawmakers discussed the Law "On Amendments and Additions to Certain Legislative Acts of the Republic of Uzbekistan Aimed at Improving the Activities of Local Government Bodies in Connection with the Adoption of the New Edition of the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan."

The law introduces significant changes to improve the accountability of local government bodies to citizens, strengthen collaboration between local councils (Kengashes) and state authorities, and ensure greater transparency and efficiency in governance.

One of the key changes is the separation of the positions of hokim (regional governor) and chairman of the local Kengash. Previously, the hokim also served as the chairman of the local council. Now, these roles are distinct, with the local Kengash being led by a chairman elected from among the deputies. The chairman’s role is non-paid and purely civic. The law also outlines the procedure for prematurely removing the chairman from office before the end of their term.

Additionally, the law strengthens the requirement for the registration of acts passed by Kengashes and hokims in the Unified Electronic System for the Development, Approval, and Registration of Decisions by Local Government Authorities. Any documents not registered in this system are considered invalid and carry no legal force.

The law also revises the powers and responsibilities of hokims at the regional, district, and city levels. Candidates for the position of hokim must now present a socio-economic development plan for the area when their candidacy is reviewed by the local Kengash.

Furthermore, the law expands the powers of the local Kengash chairman and introduces the "Kengash Inquiry" and "Kengash Investigation" mechanisms, empowering the Kengashes to hold local authorities accountable more effectively.

Senators emphasized that this law will help create a more efficient and democratic local government system. It enhances the role of local Kengashes as representative bodies, increases the accountability of hokims and executive authorities to the public, and ensures more effective solutions to local issues.

After thorough discussions, the law was unanimously approved by the Senate.