The Referendum 2023 in Republic of Uzbekistan was a complete digital electoral activity in which no manual maneuvering was possible. A single electronic voters list was the key element in this all internet communicating system of transparency and counter checks. All relevant data was saved by the Ministry of Digital Technology. The citizens had access to the record and they were able to report any amendment in the record.
A digitized election system was developed with the help of national telecom and information technology companies. More than 2 Thousand 5 Hundred (2500) operators were prepared with special training to operate the E system. They were posted at the polling stations to keep the system going and help in case of any disruption. All polling stations were connected with the system.
A mobile app was also launched for the information of the citizens about their votes and polling stations. The citizens were allowed to suggest the change in their polling stations through this app. A toll free call number 1200 was also available for queries or any other feedback.
Deputy Minister of Digital Technology, Mr. Maxsudov Jamal, CEO Uni Com, Mr. Shaxzod Magdiyev and CEO of UZ Telecom, Mr. Mardon Berdiklichev shared the information about the digital system with international journalists covering the referendum in Tashkent.
The electronic voters list contains the data of all voters including prisoners, oversees and military personnel on duty. The citizens were provided more than 20 Thousand services regarding the votes and relevant stations.
A central security system was also evolved and all polling stations were connected with this system. CC tv Cameras were fixed at the polling stations to keep an eye on free fair polling or any untoward incident.
The technical apparatus weighing up to 17 Thousand KG was shifted to polling station. This task was completed through the state delivery system.
The whole system was examined before it was used in the referendum. The digital system helped a lot in smooth polling and finally in the collection of the results. Government of Uzbekistan attaches great importance with the digitization of the governance to facilitate the public to stand informed always about every measure the state takes regarding the well being of its citizens.
Tazeen Akhtar from Tashkent
