ELECTORAL PROGRAM OF THE CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF UZBEKISTAN SHAVKAT MIROMONOVICH MIRZIYOYEV

Our principal objective is the consistent continuation and enhancement of the democratic reforms initiated by the first President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov, to ensure peace, stability and harmony, consolidate the economic power, deliver decent living conditions for our people.

On the basis of comprehensive analysis of possible obstacles to the dynamic development of our country we have identified five priorities in our electoral program that cover all spheres of life of the country and are aimed at preventing possible threats and challenges, addressing issues in the realization of short and long-term key priorities as well as ensuring the further development of the country.

I. IMPROVEMENT OF THE SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CONCEPT "FROM A STRONG STATE TO A ROBUST CIVIL SOCIETY"

Priorities in the development of the political system is to build a democratic state ruled by law and a strong civil society, the realization of hopes and aspirations of citizens, the accomplishment of their initiatives, the expansion of civic participation in the political life of the country.

We believe it is necessary to bolster the role of the Oliy Majlis of the republic in the system of government, to extend its powers in addressing the most critical issues in the internal and foreign policies, as well as in exercising parliamentary control over the activities of executive bodies.

Considering the importance of boosting the multi-party system, the growing influence of political parties in government and society, the shaping healthy competition among parties to enhance the effectiveness of representative bodies, we are in favor of shoring up the role of party groups in the activities of Kengashes (councils) of people’s deputies, especially in the expansion of their clout in overseeing the activities of public authorities in local areas.

Achieving these goals is critically dependent on the efficient operation of public administration and the personnel. In this regard, we will initiate the adoption of legislative acts aimed at its further improvement and increased efficiency.

At the same time, we consider it necessary to cardinally revise the institutional framework of the economic activity of management bodies, and to provide for extensive introduction of ​​proven market mechanisms and modern corporate governance principles to this area.

We support the transfer of authority from the center to local areas. We will therefore improve the system of powers, tasks and functions of hokimiyats at all levels to ensure the execution of laws, coordination of the activities of public authorities, comprehensive development of territories and implementation of socio-economic programs.

It is necessary to radically revise the logistics of hokimiyats and system of payment to their employees. To this end, we consider it expedient to adopt the Law “On bodies of local government” in the new edition.

In the focus of our attention will be the creation of an effective system of training independently and newly thinking professionals with higher responsibility, integrity, initiative, advanced management methods, who are devoted to their country and people.

We will basically fight for the eradication of official red tape and irresponsibility of civil servants in the consideration of citizens’ appeals. The people will assess the activity of government officials on the basis of credibility and effectiveness in addressing the concerns of the population.

In order to increase the responsibility of staff of public institutions and cement the guarantees of their rights, we will initiate the adoption of the Law "On civil service".

Our priority remains the further implementation of the concept "From a strong state to a robust civil society." To this end, measures will be taken for the development of effective mechanisms of public control, for the enhancement of the role and importance of the institution of mahalla in our society, expansion of its powers and authority, and the consolidation of their material-technical base.

We will consistently continue to work to enhance the role of mass media, boost up their economic fundamentals and material base, and protect the professional activities of journalists.

II. SECURING THE SUPREMACY OF LAW AND FURTHERING THE REFORM OF THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM.

The implementation of the principle "Power is in justice!"

Ensuring the supremacy of law in the society is a guarantee of the effectiveness of enduring reforms, and is a crucial factor in uplifting the living standards, cementing peace, harmony and stability in the country.

Therefore, the principal objective sought by reforms in the judicial sphere is to secure genuine independence of the judiciary, protect the rights and freedoms of citizens, and provide for well-built judicial safeguards.

In this regard, particular significance will be attached to increasing the term of office of judges, to forming a judge corps capable of taking fair decisions in strict accordance with the laws, who have a strong will, high moral and professional qualities. Important emphasis will be placed also on the introduction of advanced scientific and technological means as well as information and communication technologies in judicial investigative activities.

Vital task is to secure strict compliance with constitutional provisions in the independence of the judiciary and the principle of inevitability of punishment for interfering in the activities of the administration of justice.

We consider it as our primary mission to ensure openness and transparency of the activities of law enforcement agencies, widespread use of effective mechanisms of interaction between civil society, media and the public.

It is necessary to reform the scope of bar (advocacy) associations for the full-fledged implementation of the principle of equality of parties in delivering justice, and thus numerous measures should be taken to enhance and expand the role of advocacy powers in judicial and investigative activities.

In order to provide for the effective operation of judicial services of government bodies it is of urgent interest for us to organize retraining and advanced training of law professionals.

We will continue with the policy of liberalization of criminal penalties, by transferring certain offenses to the category of those not so dangerous to society, and by enhancing the use of the institution of reconciliation.

Another priority is the struggle against corruption and organized crime, as well as effective prevention of criminal offense.

In the organization of these works the major attention will focus on the efficient use of powers of mahalla, elevation of the legal culture in society, consolidation among citizens of the sense of respect towards the law, intolerance for violation, as well as timely prevention of crime and effectiveness of its prevention. All of these have assigned important place in our program.

III. ENHANCEMENT OF ECONOMIC REFORMS, PROMOTION OF MACROECONOMIC STABILITY AND SUSTAINABLE GROWTH

Based on the proven practice of the principle "Political independence cannot be achieved without economic independence", we consider it necessary to pay primary attention to the unconditional implementation of the following strategic objectives in the socio-economic development of the country.

First, it is of great importance to further strengthen the macroeconomic stability and preserve the sustainability of economic growth, secure the steadiness of the national currency and prices in the domestic market.

In the financial sector we will focus on the expansion, through the balanced development of industries and regions, of the revenue base of local budgets, providing for the solution of social issues. Growth in the capacity of local budgets should first of all serve for boosting the living conditions and quality of life.

Second, the key factor is the promotion of the national economy’s competitiveness in the global market, modernization and diversification of sectors and industries, enhancement of export capacities, enlargement of investment activity.

The central and essential challenge is the implementation of specific programs targeted at more than doubling the gross domestic product by the year 2030, bringing the industry’s share in the economy to 40 percent.

Therefore, 8 special programs have been adopted and being realized to boost the chemical industry, processing of non-ferrous and rare metals, hydrocarbon raw materials, textiles, leather and footwear sectors, pharmaceuticals, fruit and vegetable processing and manufacturing building materials. Over the next five years, 657 investment projects worth about 40 billion US dollars are to be implemented, which will help increase the volumes of industrial production 1.5 times. In addition, the elaboration of a textile industry development program directed at deep processing of local raw materials has been complete. It is crucial to implement 140 investment projects worth 2 billion 300 million US dollars. As a result, the volume of production of ready-made textile goods is expected to increase threefold.

We have set another important task – accelerated advancement of the pharmaceutical industry. The implementation of 67 regional projects will make it possible to develop the production of 162 new drugs in the country imported now from abroad, and increase the total volume of medicine production 2.5 times. At the same time, essential medicines will be provided by the state-owned pharmacy network at fixed prices.

In order to attract foreign investment and advanced technologies, there are free economic zones effectively operating in Angren, Tashkent region, as well as Navoi and Jizzakh. The benefits granted enable enterprises to implement innovation projects successfully. In order to extend this good practice we plan to create free economic zones in Urgut, Samarkand region, and Gijduvan, Bukhara region, as well as in Kokand, Ferghana region.

Third, we will continue to systematically work on the perfection of the system of employment. The program of job creation measures will facilitate the employment of 390,000 people on the constant basis in 2017, another 200 thousand people will be engaged in seasonal and temporary jobs in agriculture and construction, and 309,000 people are to work owing to the development of private subsidiary farming enterprises, handicrafts and family entrepreneurship.

Fourth, we consider it critically important to continue reforming the agricultural sector.

Development program of reforming farms, designed for 2017-2020, is projected to be approved in order to optimize sown areas and promote phased reduction of cotton crops. Key task is the management of land and water resources, introduction of modern intensive agricultural technologies, improvement of the storage infrastructure and deep processing of products.

In the center of our attention is the expansion of land acreage assigned for vegetables, legumes and fodder crops, creation of intensive orchards and vineyards, amplification of production of export-oriented fruits and vegetables, foods and animal goods, as well as the organization of a network of small industrial enterprises and enhancement of agricultural services. For these purposes, more refrigerated warehouses are planned to be built with a storage capacity of 200 thousand tons of products.

One of the principal challenges is to perfect the agricultural funding system. Its realization must provide for guaranteed and sustainable yields, development of the entire agricultural sector and, crucially, create favorable conditions for growth in the material incentives for farmers and elevation of living standards in rural areas. This should be a solid foundation for ensuring food security.

Fifth, it is imperative to take a set of measures to reduce the level of state presence (involvement) in the economy, promote and protect private property. It is necessary to remove all barriers and constraints to the development of private ownership and entrepreneurship.

The priority of our policy and primary goal will be to provide greater freedom for small business and private enterprise, prevent unlawful interference in their activities. In addressing these challenges, we will pay particular attention to fundamental revision of the business monitoring system.

We can achieve improvement of the business environment and the accelerated development of economy through the consolidation of the judicial protection of entrepreneurs and liberalization of their liability, increasing at the same time the liability of officials for illegal interference in economic activities, introduction of modern tax administration regulation and banking, and simplification of the procedures of granting authorization documents and licenses.

Sixth, we intend to adopt a separate program of accelerated development of the tourism industry in 2017-2021, advancement of which is of great importance for the country’s economic growth.

As part of this program, we consider it necessary to perk up the management system in this area, simplify the procedure of registration and issuance of visas for tourists, develop new tourist routes, secure the speedy perfection of travel infrastructure to attract foreign investment, and create special economic zones for tourism development.

For these purposes, we consider it essential to initiate the elaboration of draft law on tourism in a new edition. The bill will envisage the creation of opportunities for entrepreneurs, and critical revision of the activities of Uzbektourism national company.

Seventh, a crucial challenge is to further the comprehensive development of cities and districts.

We intend to adopt a program for the integrated advancement of districts and cities in 2017-2021 on the basis of in-depth analysis, taking into account features, capacities and needs of each territory, in the context of each mahalla. As a result of these programs, every one of the 81 districts that receive subvention will be completely self-sufficient, and will significantly reduce the amount of subventions to 41 districts and towns.

Priority tasks include the transformation of our capital Tashkent into one of the most beautiful and comfortable cities not only in the region, but also in the world. To this end, extensive works in construction and beautification will consistently be continued using the cutting-edge achievements of national architecture and modern urban planning.

We plan to work out an extremely vital program for the construction, in the near future, of 500 modern multi-storied apartment buildings in Tashkent’s Sergeli district. That will provide about 30 thousand families, first and foremost those with low incomes, with new housing.

Priority will be given to the establishment of new parks and recreation areas throughout the city and the expansion of green areas, improvement in the quality of public and commercial services, construction of new transport and communication networks, creation of new kinds of modern services, cultural facilities, routes, ground high-speed metro.

A critical goal is to make sure that measures taken in the economic field benefit every one of our compatriots, all our people, and have positive effect on their prosperity and daily life. In this regard, the efforts to gradually increase wages, pensions, stipends and allowances will be continued. It is also necessary to implement a set of measures to boost the volumes and expand the range of consumption goods, including foods, at reasonable prices.

VI. DEVELOPMENT OF THE SOCIAL SPHERE. IMPLEMENTATION OF ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT MAXIMS "REFORMS ARE NOT FOR THE SAKE OF REFORMS, BUT FOR THE GOOD OF THE PEOPLE"

We need to implement a number of targeted programs nationwide to address pressing social issues concerning the vital interests of each individual and family.

Given the demand and needs of the rural population, a program has been adopted to launch building affordable housing on updated model design in rural areas, under which it is planned to build in 2017 a total of 15 thousand convenient and affordable one- and two-storied modern houses of four types of new sample for low-income families with a twofold reduction in the size of initial payment.

In addition, a draft program is under consideration currently for the construction of 945 apartment buildings in urban areas in 2017-2020. Likewise, 50 thousand multi-storey houses containing affordable apartments for low-income families will be built in Tashkent city and the Republic of Karakalpakstan as well as in regional centers and big cities.

Contemplation and implementation of the program of expansion and modernization of water supply systems in rural areas is contribute to the solution of particularly urgent problems we face. About 9,000 kilometers of water supply networks, 1,400 water wells and 3,600 water facilities will be built and reconstructed in the next five years. This will further provide 3.2 million inhabitants of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, Andijan, Jizzakh, Navoi, Syrdarya, Samarkand, Tashkent and Khorezm regions with clean drinking water and raise the coverage in the country from the current 67 percent to 84 percent. These challenges will be addressed by the Ministry of Housing and Public utility Services being established and a special fund "Toza suv" (Clean water) under the Ministry of Finance.

In order to secure and stabilize the supply of electricity to the population and businesses we are planning to develop a program of improving the provision of urban and rural areas with electric power. Such issues as the enhancement of power generation capacities, construction and reconstruction of 25,300 kilometers of low-voltage electric systems, replacement of 5,600 obsolete transformer substations will be placed special emphasis in the program.

As part of the program it is planned to construct and reconstruct 1,700 km of regional and local public roads for further development of road transport infrastructure. Also, it is scheduled to overhaul and repair 10,400 kilometers of inter-farm rural roads, pavements of streets in cities, district centers, urban villages and rural areas that are important to residents. For the implementation of this program, the organizational structure and activities of the Road Fund under the Ministry of Finance and Uzavtoyul company will be drastically revised.

Basing on the program for the further improvement of transport services, 74 bus stations in cities and villages will be reconstructed. Additional conditions for the comfort and safety of passengers will be created. 3,000 buses and 5,700 minibuses will be acquired. New bus routes have been launched and old buses have been replaced by new ones.

The development of the infrastructure of air and rail links, along with the creation of a new terminal of Tashkent International Airport, also provides for the completion of construction and electrification of the railway line Bukhara - Miskin, electrification of railways Karshi - Termez, Pap - Namangan - Andijan - Kokand.

Implementation of the Program for further improvement of sanitary decontamination and salvaging solid waste will enable us to step up the cleanliness and comfort of our cities and villages, eliminate unauthorized premises for domestic waste hazardous to health. In all regional centers, cities of Kokand, Margilan, Angren, Bekabad, Almalyk and Khiva, 168 special stations will be created for the collection of household waste. Organizations involved in waste treatment will receive additional 405 pieces of modern special machinery.

Measures are to be worked out and implemented to improve the system of coal delivery to the population. Artificial inflation of its cost will be prevented.

We will focus on strengthening the material and technical base of preschool upbringing and education system, the development of which is attached a particular importance in social policy. In particular, 2,200 government kindergartens for 1.109 million people will be built, repaired and equipped.

In order to further reform the healthcare sector and fundamentally improve the quality of medical services, concrete measures will be taken in the near future to improve the performance of rural medical stations, emergency stations, specialized medical centers, as well as the development of private medical institutions.

Attention and care for women remains one of the priorities of government policy. Our objective is to boost the status of women in the socio-political life of the country, who play invaluable role in promoting peace, atmosphere of kindness and compassion in our society, fostering healthy and comprehensively advanced generation. Creating opportunities for women in the form of new jobs, facilitating their working and living conditions, protecting their health, assisting in realization of their abilities and capacity, will be constant and main tasks for us.

Respect and honor for the senior generation, including provision of comprehensive care for them and improvement of their living conditions, health promotion, remains as before one of our most important priorities. We will take additional steps to create decent living conditions for our esteemed veterans, venerable aksakals and mothers, and we consider it our sacred duty.

We also plan to adopt a specific program to provide medical care for the elderly, lonesome and persons with disabilities. Particular attention will be paid to elevating the status of the Nuroniy Foundation and bolster its material and technical capacities.

In the spiritual-enlightenment sphere the most critical and urgent goal is to nurture independently thinking youth commanding modern knowledge and professions, in the spirit of respect for national and universal values, to foster young men and women devoted to the Motherland and its people. It is necessary also to intensify efforts to promote a healthy lifestyle among young people.

In furthering these objectives we rely on the national traditions formed over many centuries and the rich spiritual legacy of our ancestors. Policy in this area will continue in strict accordance with the requirements of the new law on youth policy in Uzbekistan.

By adopting a program of further development of the system of higher education institutions in the years 2017-2021 we will strive to solve the existing issues in this sphere and raise higher education to a qualitatively new level.

It is necessary to transform the Kamolot Youth Social Movement into an organization that would facilitate the fullest realization of the abilities and potential of the younger generation and in fact defend its interests. In this context, we are going to pay special attention to working with the unorganized part of young people, and securing their greater involvement in activities of Kamolot.

We intend to mobilize all energy and capacities for the creation of an environment completely conducive for representatives of academia, education, for our dedicated and talented scientists.

We consider as a priority the creation of high technologies and scientific developments for economy sectors and our lives. Along with the promotion of latest achievements in the information and communication sector we will pay great attention to uplifting children’s and young people’s interest in reading books, and further encourage the reading culture among the population. To do so, it is essential to step up the works directed at posting in the internet and popularizing the best samples of national and world literature.

A special place in our program is devoted to issues of constant attention to creative intellectuals who uphold spiritual-moral enrichment with their unique talents and skills. We believe it is important that our policy in the spiritual-educational sphere support the work of artistic organizations, creative associations, bolster their material-technical capacities and infrastructure, and promote the best works of creative intellectuals in our country and abroad.

We will focus on the promotion of gifted young people entering the world of culture, arts, literature and the press, on the improvement of their living conditions, on the elevation of the quality and effectiveness of the nation’s artistic competitions and festivals, revision of the size of copyright payments awarded for artistic works, and protection of intellectual property rights. We plan to implement special programs to further uplift the material and technical base of cultural and sports facilities, theaters and museums.

Providing for security.

Religious tolerance and interethnic harmony.

Foreign policy priorities.

Our activities in ensuring security are built on the principle “The people of Uzbekistan need peace and harmony”.

Life itself shows that our multiethnic nation is able to overcome difficulties and hardships on its way and wields modern thinking and outlook. Our people’s social and political activeness and legal culture have been rising, so has the feeling of engagement in the events around them.

Amid an intricate state of affairs in the world, when threats of terrorism, extremism and radicalism are rather high, comprehensive consolidation of our defense capabilities and potential of armed forces is the vital condition and serves to guarantee security and stability of the country along with the prosperity of our people.

There are more than 130 ethnic and sub-ethnic groups residing in Uzbekistan in the atmosphere of peace and mutual understanding, and this fact is considered one of the principal accomplishments made in independence years.

Consolidation of interethnic harmony and friendship in the country, contributed also by the 137 ethnic cultural centers operating in Uzbekistan, will remain one of the priorities of our policy.

There are currently more than 2,200 religious organizations and 16 confessions carrying out their activities in the country. Cementing the atmosphere of tolerance in the society, ensuring equal rights for citizens regardless of their beliefs is one of our priority goals.

We have fought and will continue to fight against destructive powers who discredit our sacred faith of Islam with their wrong interpretations and malicious actions.

We assure that we shall decisively rebuff the enemy in making any attempt to infringe on the sovereignty and independence of our country.

The essential part of our electoral program in foreign affairs is to follow all the foreign policy principles and objectives worked out by the first President of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The foundations of our policy in the international arena contain key principles such as non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries, settlement of conflicts with peaceful and political negotiations as well as practical cooperation with other states and the world community.

Uzbekistan will not accede to military-political blocs, nor will it allow for the deployment of military bases and facilities of other countries in its territory or its own armed forces in the territory of other countries.

We consider our primary task in furthering the foreign policy goals is to further strengthen the friendly and mutually advantageous relations with all nations, first of all with neighboring states and international institutions.

* * *

We have identified the most important goals and priority tasks in reforming all spheres of life of the society and state in our electoral program.

For the complete realization of basic objectives we have elaborated draft strategic guidelines on five priority directions for the development of the Republic of Uzbekistan in 2017-2021.

In the realization of all the abovementioned extensive plans we first of all rely on high spirituality, intellectuality and constructive potential of our people, all of our compatriots.

A vital prerequisite for achieving all noble goals of ours is the courage, vigor, strong will and resoluteness of our people. The most critical component is people’s confidence in the bright future of the independent Uzbekistan.

We are all united under a common aspiration, namely, the prosperity of our Motherland! Serving our homeland and people faithfully is our sacred duty!

Republican Press Center for Covering the
Elections of President of the Republic of Uzbekistan

www.elections.uz