Shavkat Mirziyoyev: The draft Constitution will be changed and improved based on the proposals

“Dear compatriots! Dear residents of Karakalpakstan! As you know, these days an important political process is underway in our country - a public discussion of amendments and additions to the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Undoubtedly, our constitutional reforms are a matter of great importance for the present and future life of our country. During the discussions, our multinational people express their numerous proposals and recommendations. 

It should be noted that the published draft constitutional law “On Amendments and Additions to the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan” has been put up for public discussion. After that, it will be finalized by the Legislative Chamber based on the opinions and comments expressed by citizens. Then this project will be submitted to a referendum, and our citizens will express their will on this matter by free voting. Only after this, changes and additions to the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan will become legal,” the head of state said. 

The President also spoke about the protests that took place in Nukus on July 1. 

“This improvement process will last as long as it takes to perfect our new Constitution. In this regard, we will work only in agreement with our people. However, there are cases of misunderstanding in the interpretation of the essence of this issue. In particular, a group of people protested against some of the norms provided by the draft. As a result, demonstrations were organized on the central streets of Nukus on July 1. They tried to illegally seize the buildings of the local government. In this regard, I consider it necessary to emphasize the following points. This draft constitutional law, submitted for discussion by our people, has not yet been adopted, it has only been submitted for public discussion. I emphasize once again: based on the wishes, suggestions and opinions of our citizens, this project will be changed and improved,” the President said. 

The head of state announced that the articles of the Constitution relating to Karakalpakstan will remain unchanged. 

“Based on this and taking into account the unique ethno-cultural characteristics, national traditions and values, the special legal status of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, it is necessary to leave the draft norms of the legal status of the Republic of Karakalpakstan unchanged, that is, Articles 70, 71, 72, 74, 75 of the current Constitution will remain unchanged. I will ask the Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis to consider this issue as soon as possible,” Mirziyoyev added. 

The President stressed that “we will definitely build a new Uzbekistan and a new Karakalpakstan together”. 

“All our reforms and discussions in this area, without a doubt, must be carried out on the basis of democracy and legal criteria. Strict measures will be taken within the framework of the law against any persons trying to disturb the peace and tranquility, public safety. In Uzbekistan, all the forces and opportunities are enough to ensure the rule that “the law is above all, the punishment for a crime is inevitable”. In the current situation, I call on all our compatriots to show solidarity and unanimity, to act reasonably, not to indulge in various malicious calls and actions. I believe in wisdom of the noble and generous Karakalpak people,” Shavkat Mirziyoyev concluded.