"Because the funding dries up" — Alisher Kadirov on why parties go quiet after elections

The primary source of funding for political parties in Uzbekistan is the state budget. If voters were more actively supporting parties, membership fees and sponsorship funds would be the main financial resources, says MP Alisher Kadirov. According to him, out of nearly 22 million voters, only around 2 million, if not fewer, are members of political parties.

Alisher Kadirov, a deputy in the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis and leader of the "Milliy Tiklanish" (National Revival) Democratic Party, appeared on the "Fikr Yetakchilari" (Leaders of Thought) podcast, addressing questions about the lack of sufficient activity in Uzbekistan’s parliament and among its deputies.

"Why do Uzbekistan’s MPs become more active during elections and then fall silent as if water has been poured over them? No one hears from them. What’s the reason? Where do they disappear after elections?"

– The silence after elections... You are a businessman. Can you get anything done without funds? The financial standing of political parties determines the level of their activity and visibility.

Why do parties become more active during election periods? Because, according to current legislation, funds are allocated from the budget for election campaigns, and parties use these resources for promotional activities. In other words, as long as there is financial support, PR activities continue.

What are the financial sources of political parties? There are three main ones: membership fees, sponsorship funds, and, as stipulated by law, budgetary allocations based on their parliamentary election results — essentially, funds coming from taxpayers.

Now, regarding the state budget: There is an existing law on financing political parties. Currently, the main financial source for political parties is the state budget. This is a common practice worldwide, not unique to Uzbekistan. In democratic countries, similar systems exist. Foreign funding of parties is prohibited because political parties are influential institutions.

At present, this remains the primary source of funding for political parties. During election campaigns, sponsorship funds can be raised, but they are distributed equally among all parties rather than used exclusively by the party that secured them. Whether this system is right or wrong is another discussion. I am merely explaining the existing legal framework.

So why do parties go silent after elections? Because the money runs out.

Let’s examine another issue. If political parties were truly supported by their electorate, meaning if voters actively backed political parties, then their main financial resources would not be the state budget but rather membership fees and sponsorships.

Currently, out of nearly 22 million voters, the total number of party members across all five parties barely reaches 2 million.

When I first joined the party, I initiated a review of our membership. We discovered many "random" members — people who had been registered with their passports without even knowing they were members. I ordered the removal of such cases, ensuring that only those who genuinely support the party’s ideology remain. After this, our official membership figures significantly decreased.

What determines the activity of a political party? It depends on the level of support it receives from society. If citizens actively support a party, it naturally becomes more influential.

This brings us to the topic of political consciousness. In Uzbekistan, people are often discouraged from engaging in politics. However, it is not merely because they are told to "stay out of politics" — the reality is that many still need to understand the role of political institutions, and this takes time.

For instance, what does an MP of the Legislative Chamber do? Where do their powers begin and end? What about local council deputies — what are their legal responsibilities? Understanding these aspects requires greater public awareness.

 Are you saying people don’t know what MPs do?

– Every MP is required to meet with their electorate at least once a month. When they do, 90-95% of the issues raised are everyday concerns — paving roads, installing streetlights, and similar matters. However, an MP of the Legislative Chamber can only submit official requests to relevant organizations regarding such issues. The real responsibility for local infrastructure lies with local council deputies, as they oversee budget distribution at the municipal level.

In our party, we have five major sponsors — private entrepreneurs, not government organizations. These sponsors support us not because someone instructed them to, but because they genuinely believe in our ideology.

Then why does your party run out of money after elections? And why do MPs seem hesitant to voice their opinions, offer criticism, or express their views? Surely, this isn’t just about money.

– When it comes to freedom of expression, let me ask you this: If you don’t know what MPs are doing, is that your problem, or is it because MPs are not being heard? You say MPs are silent, but perhaps they are speaking, and people simply aren’t listening.

Here’s an example: Recently, our party successfully opposed proposed amendments to the Labor Code in parliament. Four significant changes were set to be introduced, but we considered them harmful to the rights of employers, including private entrepreneurs like yourself. We fought against these changes within our faction, raised awareness about the issue, and many MPs eventually supported our stance. As a result, the proposed amendments were sent back for revision.

This was a real political process. But did you notice it? Were you following it?

I’m not blaming anyone. We are in a period of transformation. MPs are not perfect, and neither is the system. Both sides are still evolving.