Referendum result marks an important stage in the emergence of a new Uzbekistan

Voters in Uzbekistan have overwhelmingly backed constitutional changes proposed by President Shavkat Mirziyoev. Much international coverage has focused on the fact that the reforms will allow the president to seek another two terms in office. But there were other important measures as well, writes Political Editor Nick Powell.

Provisional results from Uzbekistan’s referendum show more than 90% approval for President Mirziyoyev’s constitutional reforms, on a turnover of about 85%. When it comes to what the consequences of the changes will be, the easiest one to spot is that the president can seek a further two terms, each extended from five to seven years.

But the important question is what he will do with such extra time in office. The far-reaching nature of the constitutional changes are a guide to where Uzbekistan is heading under its president. Some two thirds of the constitution has been rewritten and it’s estimated that the state’s formal obligations to its citizens are being tripled.

The changes include a ban on capital punishment and guarantees to protect human rights. It's part of the progress towards what Shavkat Mirziyoyev has promised will be a new Uzbekistan. He has already curbed the powers of the security services, opened up the economy and greatly improved ties with the European Union.

An Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement was concluded with the EU last July. At last month’s meeting of the EU-Uzbekistan Cooperation Council, there was discussion on good governance, democratisation, human rights protection and engagement with civil society. President Mirziyoyev has pledged tangible socioeconomic improvements, including better employment and housing conditions, poverty alleviation and a ‘listening state’ that actively engages in dialogue with its citizens to address their grievances.

Uzbekistan is seeking the EU’s support for its wish to join the World Trade Organisation and the European Union is also offering qualification for its GSP+ scheme of zero rate tariffs linked to implementation of international conventions on human rights, labour rights, the environment and good governance.

More multi-vector foreign policies are emerging at varying speeds in the Central Asian republics, as their relationship with Russia is no longer seen as a sufficient security guarantee. Trade links both westwards to Europe and eastwards to China are vitally important.

Uzbekistan is doubly landlocked -neither it nor any of the countries it borders have direct access to the open sea- but it it is at the centre of a crucial overland route, the vitally important Middle Corridor between Europe and China. That requires continuing good relations between Uzbekistan and its Central Asian neighbours.

Uzbekistan also has a keen interest in seeing the emergence of a peaceful and stable Afghanistan. It is offering its southern neighbour the potential to become part of an important route linking Central Asia to Pakistan’s ports on the Arabian Sea.

For many years after the fall of the Soviet Union, Uzbekistan was seen as an isolated country by many in the West. In today’s geopolitical context, that is a status that the country clearly rejects; the European Union has every interest in supporting its new direction.

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