Islam Karimov’s victory as a guarantee of stability
By Laman Sadigova
As predicted, Islam Karimov was re-elected to the post of the Uzbek president in the recent elections. President Karimov has led Uzbekistan since 1989, over 25 years, when the country was still part of the Soviet Union, the only leader in the country's history to have accomplished such a feat.
Karimov registered an electoral victory with about 90 percent of votes in his favor. Observers noted the high voter turnout.
Observers from OSCE, Shanghai Cooperation Organization and CIS noted that the elections were held in a calm atmosphere in accordance with the country’s electoral laws amid a high turnout of citizens.
In spite of this, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe in a statement on Monday noted that the elections "lacked genuine political alternatives" to the incumbent president and "had persistent legal and organizational shortcomings".
Such suspicions are questionable due to Karimov’s high rating among the people. The regularity of Karimov’s election during the last 25 years shows the people’s trust in his policy.
“People in Uzbekistan are worried about change, particularly a change of leaders,” Bruce Pannier, an expert on Central Asia and senior correspondent at Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty told AzerNews.
He also said that electing Karimov for five more years gives some hope that even if the situation does not get better; it is not likely to get worse.
The election of Islam Karimov is some kind of guarantee of stability for the next 5 years for the nation.
However, it seems the president should be worried about his political course. Pannier believes Karimov will concentrate on grooming a successor and trying to secure his legacy during his next term.
Karimov will certainly like the next president to follow his policy without breaking away.
Any changes expected?
Uzbekistan’s position in Central Asia remains stable and forceful. The country still has the largest armed forces in the region, notwithstanding its good strategic position. Uzbekistan has borders with China, Russia and Afghanistan – which makes Uzbekistan a very useful partner for western countries.
“Uzbekistan will not become weaker anytime soon. Good strategic position guarantees Tashkent can attract the interest of dozens of countries if it needs military help or is willing to open up the country to outside investment, the latter sphere almost totally dominated by China and Russia currently,” Pannier claims.
The country’s economy allows supplying of basic food and energy to its population from domestic resources. It does not have to rely on imports as much as other countries in the region.
Quite good economical situation, strategic position, political stability in the country makes Uzbekistan a desirable partner in the Central Asia for other big players.
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