At Stake in this Election: 

On 30 April 2023, Uzbek citizens will vote on an extensive set of constitutional modifications. The proposed amendments would extend the presidential term from five to seven years and enable current President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to run for two more terms. Furthermore, the referendum would modify two-thirds of the constitution via seemingly sweeping changes including: the prohibition of capital punishment; support for various human and environmental rights; and changes to legislative structure and powers. Notably, earlier provisions that would have changed the autonomous status of Karakalpakstan were dropped after deadly protests. 

The question on the ballot is as follows:  

Do you accept the Constitutional Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan”?

• In Uzbek: Сиз “Ўзбекистон Республикаси Конституцияси тўғрисида”ги Ўзбекистон Республикаси Конституциявий Қонунини қабул қиласизми?

Voters may respond by selecting Yes (Ҳа) or No (Йўқ). 

Government Structure:  

• Chief of State: President Shavkat MIRZIYOYEV (since 8 September 2016) 

• Head of Government: Prime Minister Abdulla ARIPOV (since 14 December 2016) 

• Assembly: a bicameral Supreme Assembly (Олий Мажлис / Oliy Majlis) including a 100-seat Senate (Сенат / Senat) and a 150-seat Legislative Chamber (Қонунчилик палатаси / Qonunchilik Palatasi) 

Electoral System:  

• The President is directly elected by absolute majority vote in up to two rounds. The President may serve up to two 5-year terms. 

• The Prime Minister is nominated by the majority party in the Supreme Assembly and appointed by the President. 

• Members of the Senate are indirectly elected by regional councils (84 members) or appointed by the president (16 members). All members serve 5-year terms. 

• All 150 members of the Legislative Chamber are directly elected by absolute majority vote in single-seat constituencies. Members serve 5-year terms. 

Last Election: 

The most recent prior Uzbek referendum took place in 2002. Voters approved the creation of a bicameral parliament and an extension of the presidential term from 5 to 7 years. Voter turnout was 91.58%. 

Key Deadlines: 

• Voter registration deadline: 25 April 2023 (to request modifications to the registry) 

• Uzbekistan uses passive, residence-based voter registration 

Population and Registered Voters: 

• Population: 31,360,836 (2023 est.) 

• Registered Voters: 19,722,809 (2023) 

Gender Data: 

• Female Population: 15,759,214 (2023 est.) 

• CEDAW Status: Ratified (by accession) 19 July 1995 

• Gender Quota:  For each political party, at least 30% of their candidates should be women. 

• Female Candidates in this election: Yes 

• Number of Female Legislators (pre-election): 47 out of 140 (33.57%) in the Legislative Chamber and 22 out of 90 (24.44%) in the Senate 

• Human Development Index (HDI) Position: 0.727, High, Rank 101 (2021 est.)   

• Social Institutions and Gender Index (SIGI) Categorization: Overall score unavailable 

Disability Data: 

• CRPD Status: Signed 27 February 2009, Ratified 28 June 2021 

• Projected population with a disability: 4,704,125 (2023 est.) 

IFES Resources: 

• Does IFES have a presence in Uzbekistan: Yes, country office 

• Election Access: Yes 

• Election Judgements: Yes, 6 resources