Electoral law is becoming more perfect

On the initiative of a group of Deputies of the legislative chamber, the draft Constitutional Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan “on amendments and additions to certain legislation of the Republic of Uzbekistan aimed at further improving the procedure for conducting elections and referendums”was developed.

The bill provides for changes and additions to the Electoral Code as well as 7 Laws. 

A notable aspect is that at least one in three candidates in a party-list sequence is meant to be a woman. It is undeniable that ensuring gender equality allows women to realize their potential.

Also included in the material that is required to be present in the premises where the precinct commissions are located is the program of the political party published by the Central Election Commission, as well as the party list.

If the deputy seat formed by the proportional system is vacated, it is established that it will be filled at the expense of the next non-mandated candidates on the corresponding party list.

In addition, it is being established that a party that receives at least seven percent of the votes of a voter participating in a single constituency vote will have MP seats as scheduled. It is implied that if no party has won at least seven percent of the popular vote, the election has not passed.

Another aspect is the establishment of a clear procedure for the distribution of MP seats between parties based on the votes of voters in a single constituency. In this case, the total number of votes cast in favor of parties that cross the seven percent threshold in the proportional election system is divided into 75 deputy seats, and the number from which is the electoral coefficient. Then the number of votes in favor of each party is divided by this electoral coefficient. The number that comes out of it is equal to the deputy seat that is given to each party. If non-monolithic residual numbers arise, as a result of which some deputy seats remain without distribution, the procedure for their distribution is also clearly revealed. 

Based on the requirements of the electoral code, in addition to the current restrictions, the inability of Deputies, senators, deputy governors, members of other electoral commissions, citizens with a state of conviction for serious or extremely serious crimes to become members of the referendum precinct Commission is being strengthened.

In general, the adoption of this constitutional law will coordinate the legislation on elections and referendums with the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the new edition, establish a new modern system of parliamentary formation and increase the participation and role of political parties in this process.