Referendum 2023 of Uzbekistan – Rule of Law Prevailed – Security was Assured – Appeals Addressed

Tazeen Akhtar from Tashkent/ Uzbekistan

The prosecutor general office of Uzbekistan provided complete rule of law during the process of Referendum 2023. Special group of officers and experts was assigned special responsibilities to maintain rule of law throughout the country in holding the nation wide electoral activity. The staff of the Prosecutor General were posted in the regions. The officials had meetings with special observers of Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe OSCE and other organizations of international stature for their suggestions.

They also kept in touch with the press center of Central Election Commission to see any complaint or feedback in this regard. The duty teams of the Prosecutor General were alert 24/7 to attend the complaints. They addressed more than 200 complaints and satisfied the complainants.

Central Election Commission received 148 appeals until 1-00 PM on the polling day. All appeals were examined and compliance was assured according to the law. Till then , the ratio of cast votes was 62.24 %

Safety and security of the voters, the polling staff and international observers remained high priority element of the process of Referendum 2023. Police ,fire safety and first aid medical personnel were on high alert. Approximately , 20 Million citizens participated in the events and programs held for dissemination of information about the reforms and procedure of referendum. They were provided fool proof security by the Ministry of Interior.

All local and regional polling stations, 36 Railway Stations, 289 Bus Stops, Foreign Embassies and other places and buildings were secured by more than 90 Thousand police personnel. 5 Thousand police vehicles and 13 Thousand metal detectors were provided for the national duty. They were mobilized for round the clock service.

The Ministry arranged for lighting around the polling stations and allocated parking lots for the voters. Distribution of polling material was also the duty of security staff. All police officials and local authorities remained in contact for security arrangements. All concerned vicinities and buildings were double checked for security clearance.

Security cameras were installed by the Ministry. All polling stations and police officers were online to keep close eye in and around the polling stations. It was thanks to the same fool proof and very well managed strategy that no untoward incident was reported from any part of the country. The citizens were visiting the polling stations with their children having no apprehension of any risk whatsoever. 30 April was Sunday, a holiday and the public of the Republic participated in the Referendum just like a picnic.

The observer from Pakistan Mr. Tazeen Akhtar is visiting a polling station at TSPU Tashkent on the day of Referendum 30 April 2023

https://new.tdpu.uz/news/8940/en