What type of government is in power in Uzbekistan?
Uzbekistan is a presidential republic since 1991. The president, elected for a 5-year term by direct suffrage, serves as both head of state and government. The country long operated as an authoritarian system with limited opposition.
Structure of Political System
Since independence in 1991, Uzbekistan has functioned as a presidential republic. The president holds a central position: he is both head of state and holds government office. His term lasts 5 years and he is elected by universal direct suffrage.
Distribution of Powers
The Uzbek institutional system is based on:
- Executive power: concentrated in the hands of the president
- Parliament (Oliy Majlis): comprises the legislative power with two chambers
- A judicial system theoretically independent
Recent Political Evolution
For nearly three decades, Uzbekistan experienced an authoritarian regime under Islam Karimov (1990-2016). Political opposition was largely suppressed and all parties effectively supported the ruling power. Since 2016, under Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the country has undertaken reforms for progressive liberalization of the political system.