Modern electoral system: Uzbekistan’s experience
Foreign journalists are coming for coverage of the elections of President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and international observers are coming for the observation of the elections.
A correspondent of UzA has held conversations with some of them about the country’s electoral system and the process of preparation for the elections.
Nikolay Levichev, a member of the Central Electoral Commission of the Russian Federation:
“I have monitored electoral processes in many countries of the world. A healthy competitive environment among political parties in Uzbekistan, the procedure for voting in elections, mutual respect and people’s unity have specific features that are better than that in those countries. Medical rooms and special care provided in rooms for mothers and children while parents vote – all these are noteworthy.
“Uzbekistan’s peace and harmony, calm and stability are so desirable. We believe that cooperation between Uzbekistan and Russia will develop in all areas.”
Osman Gokmen (Turkey), the head of the TRT television channel’s representative office in Tashkent:
“I have been working in Uzbekistan since 2005. I have observed elections. The establishment of the press club saylov.uz – 2016 will further facilitate the work of foreign journalists, international observers and experts. Look, it is possible to watch programmes of so many television channels simultaneously at the press club. It is really an information space.
“Turkish television channels are airing reports every day on preparations, including modern conditions at polling stations, for the elections of President of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The presidential elections of Uzbekistan will be indicative of the observance of citizens’ constitutional rights and democratic principles recognized by the world community.”
Li Yayuan, special correspondent of China’s Szinszi Jibao newspaper:
“It is not for nothing that nearly 600 international observers and journalists are coming to Uzbekistan for the presidential elections. This is evidence of the country’s prestige rising with every passing year, of its economic growth and of the development of its media and information sphere. As journalists, we are glad that the mass media system of Uzbekistan is working well, that news are accurate and broadcast fast and that nongovernmental television and radio channels have become active.”
Dmitriy Povarov, special correspondent of the Rossiya Segodnya news agency:
“Uzbekistan’s tourism industry is developing rapidly. Uzbekistan is the most developed country in Central Asia and is world-famous for its ancient cities, historical sites and tourist attractions. I visited Samarqand, Bukhara and Khiva. I believe that Uzbekistan’s presidential election will be held within the law. The delivery of ballot boxes to the homes of elderly and frail people and the formation of polling stations at Uzbekistan’s representative offices in foreign countries make it possible for every citizen to make complete use of their right”.