The European Union takes note of the Presidential elections held on Sunday 9
July in Uzbekistan. These elections were well prepared and took place in a calm
environment with a high turnout.
We welcome the invitation given to OSCE/ODIHR to deploy a full international
election observation mission, and take note of the Mission’s preliminary
findings, in particular that the election took place “in an environment where
fundamental freedoms and the right to stand remain restricted.” The EU regrets
that a number of shortcomings undermined voters’ ability to make an informed
choice. We also take note of the Mission’s preliminary finding that serious
irregularities were observed by international observers during voting.
This election, which followed Uzbekistan’s national referendum on a new
Constitution on 30 April, showed a clear support for President Mirziyoyev and
the reforms. The EU remains committed to support Uzbekistan in its endeavour
to carry out democratic reforms and, in particular, to fully implement the
recommendations of this and previous OSCE/ODIHR Election Observation
Missions.
Uzbekistan is an important and valued partner of the European Union, and we
look forward to continuing to strengthen our cooperation as we prepare to mark
in 2024 the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations
between the EU and Uzbekistan.
The Candidate Countries NORTH MACEDONIA*, MONTENEGRO*, SERBIA*,
ALBANIA*, the REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA, and BOSNIA and HERZEGOVINA*, and
the EFTA countries ICELAND, LIECHTENSTEIN and NORWAY, members of the
European Economic Area.
* North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina
continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.