In his New Year’s address to the nation, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized that 2024 has been a successful year for the country and highlighted the realization of the New Uzbekistan concept thanks to the “selfless work and socio-political activity of the people”.

The Head of state noted that the recent elections to the Oliy Majlis and local Councils marked a new stage in democratic reforms. 

Indeed, it is essential to emphasize that the legal foundation of these achievements is the renewed Constitution of the country. The Basic Law enshrines that the principle of the separation of power into the legislative, executive and judicial authorities shall underlie the system of state authority in the Republic of Uzbekistan (Article 11). This constitutional provision guarantees the independence and autonomy of all three branches of government. However, their cooperation is not excluded. In other words, only by working together can these three branches function as a unified system of state power.

In his speech at the first post-election session of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis, held on November 18, 2024, the Head of state put forward conceptually significant proposals and recommendations regarding the interaction between the legislative and executive branches of power. 

In his Address to the Oliy Majlis, the President reviews the results of the work carried out over the past year. This assessment outlines the key directions for the country’s and society’s future development. The Address also reflects the President’s stance on the further activities of state authorities and public organizations, while defining the most critical tasks for the members of parliament. 

Another essential form of the Head of state’s involvement in the parliamentary legislative process is his participation in the adoption of laws and in granting them legal force. More precisely, this can be described as indirect participation. While the President does not directly enact laws, this does not minimize his role in the legislative process. The fact that over the past five years, the President has introduced 38 draft laws to the Legislative Chamber demonstrates his active engagement in parliamentary lawmaking.

Furthermore, the powers of the President of Uzbekistan play a significant role in the parliamentary legislative process, as no law can acquire legal force without his signature. In essence, it would be reasonable to view the President’s constitutional authority as a form of participation in the legislative process. However, another vital issue arises here. For example, suppose the President objects to a specific provision of a law submitted for his signature by the parliament. In that case, he must return the entire law to the Oliy Majlis for reconsideration and voting. There is no alternative mechanism. Perhaps, in such cases, it would be necessary to introduce a mechanism for mutual consultations between the President’s authorized representative and the parliament. Naturally, this issue should find its legal resolution in the future. 

In short, all aspects of the relationship between the legislative power and the Head of state must be regulated down to minor details. 

Another key point. In his speech at the first session of the lower house of parliament, the Head of state emphasized that “in the new era, the parliament must truly become the people’s house, and its lower chamber – a generator of ideas, a platform for healthy competition, debates, and discussions”.

Indeed, the legislative power, which holds a special place in the state governance system and is directly elected by the people, is essentially a “people’s chamber”, both symbolically and practically. For example, on the facade of the German Parliament, the Bundestag, there is an inscription “Dem Deutschen Volke”, meaning “to the German people”. This suggests that the President’s statement that the parliament must become a genuine people’s house, carries a profound philosophical and symbolic meaning. 

Since ancient times, all family plans, goals, dreams, aspirations, and their issues and private concerns have been discussed at home – within the family circle – before a decision is made. It would not be an exaggeration to say that this concept underpins the President’s vision that “Parliament must become the people’s house”. Further improvements in legislative activity are needed, along with solving existing local issues by enhancing parliamentary oversight. New approaches must be introduced into deputies’ work in electoral districts, fostering closer engagement with the people. Additionally, efforts should focus on enhancing parliamentary effectiveness in international relations, strengthening Uzbekistan’s global position.

The lower house of parliament must ensure dialogue with the people at all stages of the legislative process – from drafting and discussion to the adoption of laws. It would be advisable for parliamentary committees to hold preliminary discussions of draft laws in local communities, with the participation of deputies from local Councils. Additionally, legislative proposals are recommended to undergo first, second, and third readings in an “open-door” format. 

Based on the President’s proposals that “the lower house must become a generator of ideas, a platform for healthy competition, debates, and discussions”, when discussing draft laws, deputies should be guided not by departmental interests but by the interests and desires of the people. The focus should be on finding legal solutions to the population’s issues. 

In short, political parties and deputies must fulfill the promises made to voters, bringing the debates and discussions during the election campaign into parliament. The proposals, objections, and ideas voiced by the electorate must be put into practical implementation. Only then will our national parliament genuinely become the people’s house. 

Abdumannob Rakhimov, 

Judge of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Uzbekistan 

UzA