Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — At the eighth plenary session of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis, a law was reviewed and approved titled "On Amendments and Additions to Certain Legislative Acts of the Republic of Uzbekistan Aimed at Expanding the Guaranteed Rights of the Opposition in Parliament."

During the discussion, it was noted that in recent years, Uzbekistan has been consistently fostering an atmosphere of openness and freedom of speech, while strengthening the legal foundations for the free expression of citizens’ interests and political will. At the same time, large-scale efforts are underway to enhance the role of political parties in the socio-political life of the country.

This law was developed to further the development of democratic institutions and increase the effectiveness of parliamentary activity. It introduces amendments and additions to five legislative acts that regulate the functioning of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis and political parties.

According to the provisions of the new law, a political party that officially declares its opposition role in parliament gains the right to submit an alternative draft law or specific provisions on the same issue prior to the second reading. This creates conditions for more substantive debate and open comparison of positions during the legislative process.

In addition, representatives of the opposition faction will be able to hold one position as a committee chairperson and two positions as deputy committee chairpersons in the Legislative Chamber. The right to regular parliamentary initiatives is also enshrined: the opposition faction will be able to raise issues on a quarterly basis during “Government Hour” and submit parliamentary inquiries.

Senators emphasized that the adoption of this law opens new opportunities to strengthen parliamentary pluralism, improve transparency and the quality of adopted decisions, and enhance oversight of the executive branch. The law supports the further development of democratic processes in the country, strengthens dialogue among various political forces, and expands the real opportunities for the opposition to participate in state governance.

Following the discussion, the document was approved by the senators.