The forum was attended by experts from Britain, India, Pakistan, Russia, Turkey, Ukraine, Japan, other countries, several international organizations, representatives of public associations of Uzbekistan.

Participants exchanged views on the implementation of the concept of transition “from a strong state to a strong civil society”, discussed the experience of Uzbekistan in enhancing the role of civil society in democratic renewal and modernization of the country, including that in the formation and organization of representative bodies.

As Barbara Potrata, an expert at Central Asia Forum, University of Cambridge, UK, noted, “having studied Uzbek experience in building a civil society, I came to a conclusion when public institutions are formed gradually, becoming more stable, they can participate more actively and efficiently in political, including electoral, processes “.

Civic institutions in Uzbekistan constitute a special social space with the rule of law, which does not contradict but favors people’s self-development, promotes interests of individuals, respect for their rights and freedoms, said Mohammad Asif Noor, editor at The Diplomatic Insight, Pakistan.

During the discussion, experts focused in detail on the electoral legislation of Uzbekistan, participation of civil institutions in democratic elections.

“We can see that by raising the role of civil society institutions in elections, the state increases participation of citizens in solving various issues. Uzbekistan ensures close interaction between civil society and the state. There is an effective electoral system that meets democratic requirements; legal framework of elections that corresponds to universally accepted international norms, and a unified independent system of election commissions. An authorized representative of political party was introduced in the legislation who is entitled to participate in vote counting at polling stations, in verification of signature lists,” pointed out Talha Balik, editor-in-chief at Bosfor (Turkey).

Experts were unanimous that an increase in the number of seats in the Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis from 120 to 150, with 15 seats reserved for deputies elected from the Ecology Movement of Uzbekistan, introduction of authorized representatives of political parties and other innovations in the legislation as a whole will uplift the entire course of democratic reforms in Uzbekistan to a brand new level.

As noted Minori Okocha, associate professor at Faculty of Law, Nagoya University (Japan): “Introduction of quota for the Ecology Movement was essential because of environmental situation in the region. Now it will have the same rights at the supreme legislative body of the country, as political parties. This will, in turn, promote addressing the issues of ecology and healthcare.

“The movement is provided with unique opportunities to address environmental problems at the parliamentary level,” says Bogdan Babich, director at the Institute of Applied Politics (Ukraine). “Thus, the state confirms its interest in good health of its citizens, and this is an example for other countries. In addition, cancellation of nomination of candidates from initiative groups is, in my opinion, the next step in strengthening the role and responsibility of political parties.”

As experts pointed out, the progressive steps taken in the country for enhancing the role of political parties, gradual improvement of the national electoral legislation and implementation of the Concept adopted by the Central Electoral Commission on preparation and holding of elections to Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan, regional, district and city Kengashes (councils) of People’s Deputies, will be an important factor for upcoming elections be held by the principles of democracy.

“Changes in the political system of Uzbekistan are obvious and undeniable,” said Clark Plexico, a representative of National Democratic Institute. “Much has been achieved in establishing the foundations of political democracy, strong civil society institutions and political parties. The fact that the Central Election Commission provides equal opportunities for candidates to the parliament in elections is also a positive factor.

Participants of the round table drew a particular attention during the seminar to the role of a unique institution of mahalla in the system of civil society in Uzbekistan. According to Dr. Nalin Kumar Mohapatra from the School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University (India), having granted the institution of mahalla a special legal status in the years of independence, the country created an imperative atmosphere for its development, thus mahallas began addressing a range of issues.

“It is important that this takes into account national traditions and generally accepted democratic principles. Today citizens’ assemblies can by right be defined as a public foundation for evolving democratic reforms. All this may serve as an example for other countries,” said the Indian expert.

The forum also raised the issue of participation of the media as an institution of civil society and an important part of democratic elections. Speaking about the participation of mass media in election campaign, Vladimir Lafitsky, deputy director of the Institute of Legislation and Comparative Jurisprudence under the Government of Russia noted that there are all conditions created in Uzbekistan for the media to participate actively in society’s life, including in elections. According to the Russian expert, Uzbekistan has successfully developed a network of private television and radio outlets, which informs a huge audience of all events.

Following the discussion, experts highlighted that Uzbekistan take all measures to ensure transparency, openness and publicity of elections to the Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis and local representative bodies.

By Guzal Yusupova, UT