Legislative Chamber approves law on amending Constitution

The document was submitted by the President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov to the considerationof the Uzbek parliament as a legislative initiative.

The document is directed at further democratization of the government system, improvement of the constitutional mechanisms in the realization of the most critical principles of government administration – ensure independence and equality of the legislative, executive and judicial branches of power, balance of their powers, effective operation of the system of checks and balances among them.

MPs said that the initiative of the Uzbek President is directed at lifting democratic, political, economic and social reforms in the country, gradual changes and modernization of the state and constitutional structure, conducted in Uzbekistan.

The law will play great role in further implementation of the principle “From strong government to strong civil society” formation of political structure, which would ensure stable protection of rights and freedom of people and other commonly accepted values and norms of democracy, indicated in the Constitution of Uzbekistan.

MPs from Movement of Entrepreneurs and Businesspersons – Liberal Democratic Party of Uzbekistan underlined that the article 98 of the Constitution, which envisages transfer of part of the authorities of the President to Prime Minister, clarifies and expands authorities and rights of the Cabinet of Ministers as a whole.

In particular, the Cabinet of Ministers will be responsible for conducting effective economic, social, financial, monetary and credit policies, development and implementation of programme on development of science, culture education, healthcare and other sectors of the economy and social sphere. The Government will coordinate and manage works of the governmental bodies in Uzbekistan.

MPs from the People’s Democratic Party of Uzbekistan said that article of 78 of the Constitution envisages expansion of role and authorities of both chambers of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan in overseeing activities of the Cabinet of Ministers.

MPs stated that nominee to the post of the Prime Minister during consideration of his/her candidacy should present action plan for short-term and long-term future. They noted that this will allow political parties to define their position on course and programmes of the government. This amendment is directed at strengthening role of the parties and competition among them. Annually, the Government will also present annual report on the most important issues in social-economic life of Uzbekistan to the parliament.

MPs of Milliy Tiklanish Democratic Party said that introduction of changes to article 103 of the Constitution envisages that heads of regions, districts and cities will present annual reports on important issues of the development of the areas to relevant Kengash (Council) of People’s Deputies, which will adopt corresponding decisions after consideration.

This will boost role and importance of the local councils, political parties and MPs Groups in determining priority directions of public-political and economic development of the regions.

MPs from Adolat Social Democratic Party said that article 117 of the Constriction will improve electoral system in Uzbekistan. In line with the amendments, Central Election Commission conducts presidential and parliamentary elections, as well as referendums. Major principles of its activities like independence, legitimacy, collective nature, openness and justice will be set in the Constitution. The changes stipulates that the parliament will form the Central Election Commission, which will further democratize electoral system and help to realize constitutional rights of the citizens to elect and to be elected to the state bodies.

Members of MPs Group of Ecologic Movement of Uzbekistan stated that the amendments strengthen institute of public control over activities of the state bodies. In line with changes to article 32 of the Constitution, the role and importance of civil socirty institutes in solving important tasks of social-economic and humanitarian spheres. It will help to ensure sustainable development of the state and public, protect environment, form harmonically developed young generation.

They said that changes to the Constitution will require from both chambers of parliament to improve form and method of works with civil society institutes. They called to effectively use such forms of work as public expertise and open discussion of the considered draft laws, hear reports of the heads of the executive bodies.

The lawmakers noted also a whole range of other constitutional novelties carrying an immense importance for the further consolidation of the national statehood and the perfection of the polity, along with formation of civil society in the country.