The political framework of Uzbekistan

Political Outline

Current Political Leaders

President: Shavkat Mirziyoev (since 8 September 2016)
Prime Minister: Abdulla Aripov (since 14 December 2016)

Next Election Dates

Presidential: March 2030
Senate: November 2029
Legislative Chamber: October 2029

Main Political Parties

The government suppresses all political opposition, and there are no recognised opposition parties. The four political parties represented in the 150-seat Legislative Chamber are all supportive of the current leadership:

- Liberal Democratic Party: catch-all party, populist, authoritarian, third way
- National Revival Democratic Party: centre-right, nationalist, pro-modernisation   
- Justice Social Democratic Party: centre-left, social democrat, secular, third way
- People's Democratic Party of Uzbekistan: departure of the former Communist part, nationalist, authoritarian
- Ecological Party of Uzbekistan: green party

Birlik (Unity), Erk (Freedom), and Birdamlik (People's Democratic Movement) are opposition groups that promote democratic reforms but are not legally registered and are effectively banned from political participation in Uzbekistan.

Executive Power

The President of Uzbekistan is the head of state and commander-in-chief of the armed forces, holding the majority of executive powers. Following the 2023 constitutional referendum, the presidential term was extended from five to seven years, and while term limits remain in place, the reforms effectively reset the count, allowing the current President to seek additional terms. The President appoints and can dismiss the Prime Minister, cabinet ministers, and provincial governors, with parliamentary confirmation required for some appointments. The Prime Minister serves as the head of government, manages the Cabinet’s operations, and oversees economic policy, but operates under the authority of the President.

Legislative Power

Uzbekistan has a bicameral legislature known as the Supreme Assembly (Oliy Majlis), composed of the Senate (upper house) and the Legislative Chamber (lower house). The Senate consists of 100 members: 84 are elected by regional and district councils for five-year terms, while 16 are appointed by the President. The Legislative Chamber has 150 members, all elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms. Although the parliament is formally vested with legislative authority, it holds limited power in practice. The President and the executive branch exercise overwhelming influence over the legislative process, and the President retains the authority to dissolve the legislature. The Parliament convenes only for brief sessions each year and plays a minimal role in shaping national policy. Political rights and civil liberties in Uzbekistan remain highly restricted.