While the government claims the ruling party’s domination of parliament will make the legislative process more effective, opposition leaders fear the institution’s independence has been fatally undermined.
Government’s plan to build up food reserves may prevent a repeat of last year’s price hikes, but sceptics say the country needs to grow more grain.
While the regime claims Islam Karimov was endorsed by a thumping 88 per cent of voters, critics suspect the alternative candidates did far better than the official figures show.
In-depth report on political developments in Turkmenistan wins plaudits from Turkmen inside and outside the country.
Few surprises can be expected in an election where the candidates all agree the incumbent is the country’s best option.
Uzbek refugees in Kyrgyzstan have been left in a legal twilight zone by contradictory legislation and political pressure.
The health ministry has promised radical reforms to birthing hospitals, where bribes and poor service are the rule.
While the OSCE cites grave democratic shortcomings, there will be no shortage of praise from the election observers sent by former Soviet states.
With Islam Karimov determined to keep his country “stable at any price”, reform and democracy look as far away as ever.
As everyone knows who is going to win the Uzbek presidential ballot, it is not surprising that media campaigning has lacked drama and urgency.
