On the Presidential Elections in Uzbekistan

Presidential elections in the Republic of Uzbekistan took place on Sunday 4 December. The preliminary findings and conclusions of the OSCE/ODIHR Election Observation Mission underscore the need for comprehensive reform to address long-standing, systemic shortcomings. Uzbekistan’s authorities should effectively address these weaknesses, and the European Union stands ready to assist in this process. The forthcoming recommendations contained within the OSCE/ODIHR Election Observation Mission's Final Report will provide a solid basis to improve the electoral framework.
 
Significant reforms that began in the run-up to the elections, in particular steps to improve the business climate, the judicial system, labour conditions, administrative accountability and the fight against corruption, should be continued. The further continuation and deepening of these reforms will strengthen Uzbekistan’s democratic governance and economic and social development.
 
Uzbekistan is a key partner country of the European Union in Central Asia, and we will work with the newly-elected President to step up our current engagement with the authorities and the people of Uzbekistan, based on our bilateral Partnership and Cooperation Agreement and the EU's Central Asia Strategy. The European Union supports a stable, democratic and prosperous future of Uzbekistan.