The resolutions mentioned above and the draft Constitutional Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan On the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan were published on March 15, 2023, which started the countdown for the referendum.

Under the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Law “On Referendum of the Republic of Uzbekistan,” the Central Election Commission is responsible for organizing and holding the referendum of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

In this regard, the meeting of the Central Election Commission on March 16, 2023, addressed organizational matters for preparing and holding the referendum.

The CEC considered the calendar plan for preparing and holding the referendum, establishing referendum districts, approving the referendum cost estimate, organizing advanced training for members of referendum commissions, and setting up the Press Center of the CEC.

1. It is essential to ensure the gradual implementation of activities related to the referendum within the time frame established by law. Therefore, the meeting approved the calendar planfor preparing and holding the referendum of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The calendar plan will ensure that the referendum process is properly and efficiently organized, in compliance with legal requirements, and that the available resources and capabilities are rationally allocated and mobilized.

Another essential function of the calendar plan is to ensure that all referendum organizers take high-quality actions related to the preparation and holding of the referendum.

2. As per the agenda of the meeting, the resolution On the formation of referendum districts of the Republic of Uzbekistanwas adopted. According to it, the CEC formed 14 referendum districts within the boundaries of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, regions, and Tashkent city.

3. Another issue on the agenda discussed: is the cost estimateassociated with the preparation and holding of the referendum. 

The state budget plans to allocate 182.4 billion soums to finance the referendum.

To compare: 230.5 billion soums were allocated from the state budget for the 2019 parliamentary and local elections. 

4.Members of referendum commissions and participants in the referendum process must have a high level of knowledge and skills to organize a referendum of the Republic of Uzbekistan in accordance with national legislation.

In 2022 the CEC approved the Concept of organizing advanced training for members of referendum commissions. Based on this document, seminars and training were held in all regions to improve the qualification of the referendum process participants.

The meeting adopted a Resolution on the Implementation of the Next Stage of the Training Process focused on the further professional development of members of referendum commissions.

5. To ensure the legality, independence, impartiality, publicity, openness, and transparency of the referendum process, the CEC established the Press Centerand its Regional Offices to strengthen interaction with the media.

The press center will be located at 1 Navoi Street, Tashkent (building of Ma’rifat Markazi, the Palace of Symposia).