The Uzbeks voted Sunday in a presidential election that should offer a large victory to incumbent leader Chavkat Mirzioev, whose liberal reforms during his first five-year term appear threatened by a return to authoritarian practices.
64-year-old Mirzioev, who has ruled Central Asia’s most populous country since 2016, is hailed for abolishing forced labor, opening up the economy and freeing opponents tortured by his ruthless predecessor, Islam Karimov.
But he has returned more recently to habits of the past, repressing several critical personalities. His detractors also accuse him of having ruled out any real opposition during the election. Mr Mirzioev faced four candidates considered puppets who refrained from criticizing him during the campaign. For the majority of observers, the result of the ballot is therefore decided in advance.
Polling stations closed at 8 p.m. local time, and the first results were expected overnight or Monday at the latest. Turnout topped 70% at 5 p.m. local time, according to the Election Commission.
In 2016, Chavkat Mirzioev won the election with 88.6% of the vote and a turnout of 87%. Results similar to those of Islam Karimov, in power for 27 years and who had made Uzbekistan one of the most authoritarian countries in the world.
In Tashkent, the capital, many voters approached Sunday’s election without enthusiasm. “I don’t like any of the choices on offer,” Georgy, a 45-year-old man, who requested anonymity told AFP. He added that he would vote “against them all, including him”, an allusion to Mr Mirzioev. Zera, a 55-year-old woman, said she supported the outgoing president, while expressing her fear about neighboring Afghanistan. “This country worries me a lot since they [les talibans] have taken power. “
Strategic region
Frontier of Afghanistan, Uzbekistan is located in a region as difficult as it is strategic, where Russia and China exert a strong influence. This landlocked country, which has a population of around 34 million, was once a major stopover on the ancient Silk Road, a situation that made cities such as Samarkand and Bukhara fortunate.
Five years after Karimov’s death, Uzbekistan undoubtedly looks more free. In particular, Mr. Mirzioev put an end to forced labor in the cotton fields, including thousands of children, a measure hailed worldwide.
But the last two years of his first term have been marked by growing repression of critical voices. An academic considered one of his few real opponents, Khidirnazar Allakulov, has been banned from running for president.
The pandemic has also halted strong economic growth, plunging tourism into the abyss and fueling popular discontent. Unemployment and the cost of living have risen sharply. Extremely rare, demonstrations even erupted last year after energy shortages.
Several Uzbeks interviewed by Agence France-Presse therefore seemed more concerned about growing poverty than about freedom of expression. “We are waiting for changes, like salary increases. They are weak and not always versed, ”said Ourazali Ergachev, a 20-year-old student met in Tashkent before the poll.
For Temour Oumarov, a specialist in Central Asia, M. Mirzioïev is faced with a delicate equation: to continue to reform without weakening an authoritarian system that benefits the elite. “Corruption still exists at the top of the government, but the power turns a blind eye,” he said. But, “at the same time, society is more dynamic than before and will not be happy if the government does not continue the reforms”.
Last month, President Mirzioev argued that the definition of democracy in Uzbekistan was not the same as in other countries. And he warned of instability.