International Press Center hosted a press conference on preparations for the upcoming December 22 elections to the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan and local Councils of people’s deputies.

International Press Center hosted a press conference on preparations for the upcoming December 22 elections to the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan and local Councils of people’s deputies, as well as their conduction on the basis of the principle of openness.

At the event, Deputy Chairman of the Central Election Commission M. Istamov and Deputy Prosecutor General of the Republic of Uzbekistan S. Artikova informed about the work carried out as part of the election process.

In accordance with the Article 57 of the recently adopted Electoral Code, early voting was announced on December 12.

It was noted that 1,036 voters voted on the first day of early voting in 10 260 polling stations. If the highest indicator of early voting was recorded in the Republic of Karakalpakstan and Fergana region (150 voters), then the lowest – in Samarkand region (10 voters).

Early voting began at 55 polling stations created in diplomatic missions and consular offices of the country abroad.

On December 12, polling stations abroad organized field elections at places where citizens of Uzbekistan live compactly. 9 308 citizens of the country, who are abroad, took part in voting. Early voting will last until December 18, 18:00.

Representative of the Central Election Commission reported that the CIS Observer Mission, the ODIHR election observation mission submitted their interim reports.

The reports positively evaluate the election process in the country. In particular, a significant increase in the number of women among candidates, the widespread introduction of information technologies in the electoral process, the establishment of training system for election commission employees, and other aspects are emphasized.

At the same time, the fact that despite the widespread establishment of campaign work within the framework of the elections, the competition between candidates is not up to standard, the state of campaign in the regions is unsatisfactory, the media do not fully analyze the pre-election programs of candidates, no detailed information on their essence and meaning is provided.

At the briefing, journalists noted that detailed information about the candidates was not provided at places, and there were problems with the Internet at polling stations established in rural areas.