THE FORGOTTEN POWER: POLITICAL RIGHTS IN UZBEKISTAN AND THE DECLINE OF VOTER PARTICIPATION

Аннотация

As someone who is deeply concerned about civic engagement, I find it troubling how political rights in Uzbekistan–once hard-won freedoms–are increasingly overlooked. This article reflects on the decline of voter participation, a right that past generations fought for but is now often ignored. Beyond just voting, I also examine other fundamental political rights, like freedom of speech, assembly, and access to justice, questioning why they remain underutilized. Through this discussion, I hope to shed light on the societal and systemic factors at play and emphasize the urgent need to rekindle a sense of civic responsibility among Uzbek citizens. Key words: Political and civil rights, civic engagement, to vote, freedom of speech, sense of civic responsibility. ЗАБЫТАЯ СИЛА: ПОЛИТИЧЕСКИЕ ПРАВА В УЗБЕКИСТАНЕ И СНИЖЕНИЕ АКТИВНОСТИ ИЗБИРАТЕЛЕЙ Аннотация. Как человек, которому небезразличны вопросы гражданской активности, я с тревогой наблюдаю за тем, как политические права в Узбекистане – когда-то завоёванные с большим трудом – всё чаще остаются без внимания. В этой статье я рассматриваю снижение явки избирателей, право, голосовать, за которое боролись предыдущие поколения, но которое сегодня нередко игнорируется. Кроме выборов, я анализирую и другие важные политические права, такие как свобода слова, собраний и доступ к правосудию, задаваясь вопросом, почему они используются так редко. В этой работе я стремлюсь выявить системные и социальные причины сложившейся ситуации и подчеркнуть необходимость возрождения гражданской ответственности среди узбекистанцев. Ключевые слова: политические и гражданские права, гражданская активность, голосование, свобода слова, чувство гражданской ответственности. 8 31 International scientific journal ISSN: 2181-3906 «MODERN SCIENCE АND RESEARCH» 2025 VOLUME 4 / ISSUE 4 / UIF:8.2 / MODERNSCIENCE.UZ In Uzbekistan, the rights of citizens are commonly categorized into two main groups: 1- civil and political rights, and 2-economic, social, and cultural rights. While economic, social, and cultural rights help ensure people's material well-being, they are often fully realized only when civil and political rights are actively exercised. In Uzbekistan, the underutilization of political rights - such as voting and participation in governance - directly affects how effectively social and economic rights are implemented. The decline in voter participation is not just a political issue; it reflects a deeper disconnect where citizens feel their voices have little impact on shaping policies that affect their daily lives. This erosion of political engagement weakens public influence over decisions related to education, healthcare, employment, and social justice - thus showing how political rights are the foundation upon which other rights can be protected and advanced. While economic development and social stability have often been at the forefront of national policy, the protection and promotion of political rights have received comparatively less attention. Among these rights, the right to vote stands as a cornerstone of democratic participation and civic empowerment1. Despite the report of CEC in Uzbekistan2, it is repoerted in the international journal - World economics - “Uzbekistan has a Political Rights Index of 9.5 ranking it 142nd of 150 in the global listings”3. Which means, in recent years, Uzbekistan has experienced a noticeable decline in voter turnout, especially among young and urban populations. This trend raises important questions about the health of political engagement in the country. In a society where economic reforms are progressing, the neglect of political freedoms risks creating an imbalance that undermines sustainable development and inclusive governance. This paper explores the reasons behind the decline in voter participation and argues for the revitalization of political rights as a necessary step toward a more active and representative civic life. Although Uzbekistan’s Constitution guarantees political rights such as freedom of expression, association, and the right to vote, the practical realization of these rights remains limited in various ways. The political landscape has historically been dominated by a small number of officially recognized parties, most of which align closely with government policies, leaving little room for genuine opposition or alternative voices. This lack of political diversity contributes to public skepticism about the value of elections, with many citizens perceiving them as predetermined or lacking real competition. 1 https://constitution.uz/en 2 https://saylov.uz/ru 3 https://www.worldeconomics.com/ESG/Governance/Political-Rights/Uzbekistan.aspx 8 32 International scientific journal ISSN: 2181-3906 «MODERN SCIENCE АND RESEARCH» 2025 VOLUME 4 / ISSUE 4 / UIF:8.2 / MODERNSCIENCE.UZ Furthermore, restrictions on independent media and limited access to unbiased political information hinder the public’s ability to make informed decisions. Acco