Uzbekistan's leader holds early elections to extend his rule

Mr Mirziyoyev, 65, has led Uzbekistan out of near-isolation since taking power in 2016 following the death of Islam Karimov, who had led Uzbekistan since Soviet times.

President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Photo: GI

"We voted for Mirziyoyev. He is doing a great job," said Said Ismailov, 53, as he walked out of the polling station with his wife. "Everything is going in the right direction under his leadership. We want him to continue his efforts to change our lives for the better."

Under Mr Mirziyoyev's leadership, Uzbekistan's trade was opened up, foreign exchange controls were lifted and the political system became more liberal.

Mr Mirziyoyev lifted the two-term limit for a president by holding a referendum in April on constitutional amendments that would reset his term limit and extend future presidential terms from five to seven years.

Once an energy exporter, Uzbekistan now consumes more oil and gas than it produces and buys hydrocarbons from Russia, benefiting as Moscow diverts exports away from the West.

Mai Anh (according to Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/uzbekistan-to-chuc-bau-cu-som-sau-khi-thay-doi-hien-phap-post255473.html