The Rise of Public Participation in the Governance of Uzbekistan

By Eldor Tulyakov, Executive Director of the Development Strategy Center

Uzbekistan has experienced significant political transformations in recent years, evolving toward a more participatory model of governance. Under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the country has implemented numerous reforms to increase public involvement in policymaking, strengthen government accountability, and foster open dialogue between the state and citizens. These changes mark a decisive turning point in the democratic development of Uzbekistan and establish an important precedent in governance in Central Asia.

Institutionalization of Public Engagement
One of the most notable reforms was the creation of the People’s Reception Offices in 2017, which enabled the establishment of direct channels between citizens and government officials. This initiative was reinforced by the Virtual Reception platform, allowing the online submission of complaints and proposals. As a result, the government’s responsiveness to public requests has significantly improved, with the resolution rate increasing from 47.5% in 2017 to 60.9% in 2019.

Digital tools, such as regulation.gov.uz and uzbekistan2030.uz, have revolutionized citizen participation in legislative processes. These platforms allow citizens to actively contribute to shaping the country’s future. During the consultation phase of the “Uzbekistan – 2030” strategy, more than 30,000 contributions led to the adoption of more than 1,000 amendments to public policies. Moreover, public comments on draft state programs increased from 2,000 submissions in 2017 to nearly 18,000 in 2022, highlighting growing civic awareness and the increased importance of technology in governance.

Strengthening Public Oversight
Uzbekistan’s recent constitutional reforms have introduced new mechanisms for direct participation in lawmaking. A key development lies in the possibility for 100,000 citizens to propose legislative initiatives to Parliament, thus ensuring better consideration of public needs in national policies.

Participatory budgeting has also emerged as a major innovation through the “Open Budget” and “Initiative Budget” initiatives, which allow citizens to influence local government spending. The “Open Budget” web portal, launched in 2021, ensures transparency in public spending, while the “Initiative Budget” program allows citizens to propose and vote for local projects. This initiative has been a great success, with 41,125 proposals submitted in 2021, a figure that rose to 131,000 in 2022. More than 4,000 projects have been approved, demonstrating the potential and impact of direct public involvement in governance.

Improving Transparency and Government Accountability
A crucial element of these reforms is the increase in transparency and accountability of public officials. Senior officials must now publish detailed reports on their activities and expenditures, while oversight councils composed of civil society representatives evaluate their performance. These measures aim to combat corruption and strengthen public trust in government institutions.

Platforms such as Murojaat.gov.uz and the “1000—Trust Hotline” allow citizens to report concerns and receive quick responses from authorities. Furthermore, the rise of independent media has strengthened public oversight: the number of registered media outlets increased from 1,514 in 2016 to 2,349 in 2024, while political blogging has developed, creating new spaces for critical debate. In addition, multilingual access to information, with programs broadcast in 12 languages and newspapers published in 10 languages, ensures broader public participation.

The growing role of civil society organizations (CSOs) is another key factor. With more than 10,000 CSOs registered across the country, their influence on policymaking and monitoring government activities has significantly increased. These organizations, which address major social issues such as human rights, environmental protection, and economic development, play a central role in ensuring that public policies respond to the population’s concerns.

The Intersection Between Public Participation and Foreign Policy
Uzbekistan’s internal governance reforms are closely linked to its foreign policy orientation. Greater civic involvement has led to a more responsive government, which in turn has strengthened Uzbekistan’s international position. Improved transparency and democratic reforms have consolidated the country’s credibility in negotiations with global partners, influencing trade agreements, investment policies, and regional cooperation.

The government’s commitment to public participation has also improved its relations with Western democracies and international organizations, strengthening Uzbekistan’s place on the global diplomatic stage. These efforts have attracted foreign investment and consolidated the country’s role as a stabilizing force in Central Asia.

Moreover, citizen involvement in foreign policy debates is intensifying. Public forums and academic institutions now facilitate discussions on Uzbekistan’s international relations, trade agreements, and security issues. These exchanges offer valuable perspectives to guide the country’s diplomatic strategy in alignment with public opinion.

A Sustainable Future for Civic Engagement
Uzbekistan’s progress in institutionalizing public participation has laid the foundations for a more inclusive and transparent governance model. However, maintaining this momentum requires continuous refinement of participatory mechanisms and a constant commitment to international best practices.

It will be essential to ensure the accessibility and inclusiveness of institutions, to expand digital participation tools, and to maintain open dialogue between the state and citizens. By strengthening these reforms, Uzbekistan can position itself as a regional leader in participatory governance and serve as a model for other nations wishing to promote citizen involvement in public policymaking.

Furthermore, strengthening the legal framework guaranteeing civic participation will be fundamental. Ongoing legislative reforms aim to expand the rights of CSOs and independent media, allowing them to operate without excessive restrictions. In addition, increased decentralization of decision-making processes will help empower local communities and encourage participation at the levels closest to citizens.

As Uzbekistan continues this transformation, active citizen involvement in decision-making will be crucial to building an effective, democratic governance system based on public trust. With sustained commitment to transparency, accountability, and citizen participation, the country has the potential to emerge as a leading example of democratic evolution in the region.

Eldor Tulyakov, Executive Director at Development Strategy Center