Uzbekistan’s Fight Against Corruption: Turning Promises into Action

On October 27, Uzbekistan is set to hold its first legislative elections since the implementation of a major constitutional reform designed to establish a more liberal and democratic regime. This new Constitution provides unprecedented powers to lawmakers in the fight against corruption, reaffirming President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s commitment to tackling a scourge that has plagued the country since the Soviet era.

Combating corruption is a central theme in the electoral program of the democratic coalition, which is expected to secure a new majority in the upcoming legislative elections. The campaign slogan, “My Choice, My Prosperous Homeland,” highlights the economic and social achievements since Shavkat Mirziyoyev took office, profoundly liberalizing the nation. This slogan also clearly indicates the government’s priorities in fighting corruption.

International Engagements

Uzbekistan joined the OECD Istanbul Anti-Corruption Action Plan in 2003 and the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) in 2008, two fundamental international anti-corruption frameworks. Significant progress has been made in this area since 2016. Mirziyoyev’s administration has established internal anti-corruption control units certified under ISO 37001:2016 in over 90 public organizations. The Uzbek authorities are working to dismantle a deeply entrenched culture of corruption that has taken root over the years.

Legislative and Institutional Reforms

In recent months, several laws have been passed by Parliament, including “On Combating Corruption,” “On Public Service,” “On Anti-Corruption Expertise of Legal Acts and Their Drafts,” and “On Conflict of Interest,” adopted on June 5, 2024. Concurrently, the government is working on an anti-corruption strategy set to unfold until 2030, alongside various bills on asset and income declarations for officials, whistleblower protection, and the Anti-Corruption Agency.

From 2016 to 2024, more than 70 laws and 2,000 regulations were enacted by Uzbek authorities to eradicate the culture of corruption. Both chambers of Parliament have established anti-corruption committees to enhance transparency and oversight of parliamentary work. Additionally, a National Council and regional commissions have been created to coordinate the government’s anti-corruption actions.

In 2019, an Agency for Public Service Development was established, followed by the Anti-Corruption Agency in 2020. Administrative reforms have streamlined executive structures, reducing the number of executive bodies from 61 to 28. The “Corruption-Free Zone” projects in higher education, healthcare, infrastructure, public procurement, and land relations sectors have reduced corruption risks, thereby improving Uzbekistan’s rankings in various international indices (Transparency International, WJP, Global Democracy Index, etc.).

Digitalization of Public Services

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s government aims to accelerate anti-corruption efforts, making it a top priority for the new legislature. In this vein, the government has embraced the digitalization of public services through the creation of a single interactive public services portal (my.gov.uz). This revolutionary initiative allows citizens to access 653 services across various sectors, including health, justice, licensing, social protection, taxation, land relations, economy, transportation, education, and administration.

Efforts on the Ground

The Mirziyoyev administration’s fight against corruption extends beyond legislation and digital transformation. Ground-level initiatives and public engagement are crucial components of this campaign. Anti-corruption campaigns have been launched nationwide to educate the public on the dangers of corruption and encourage reporting corrupt activities.

The establishment of the Anti-Corruption Agency in 2020 marked a significant milestone. This agency is not only responsible for coordinating anti-corruption efforts but also for initiating high-profile cases. In recent years, several high-ranking officials have been prosecuted, signaling a zero-tolerance policy toward corruption at all levels of society.

Furthermore, the government has prioritized international cooperation, working closely with organizations such as the United Nations, the OECD, and other international entities to adopt best practices and receive technical advice. This cooperation aims to align Uzbekistan’s anti-corruption framework with global standards, ensuring transparency and accountability in both public and private sectors.

Educational and Social Reforms

Educational reforms are also a pivotal part of Uzbekistan’s anti-corruption strategy. Anti-corruption modules have been integrated into school and university curricula to instill a culture of integrity among the younger generation. These educational initiatives are designed to foster a new wave of ethical leaders who will uphold transparency and fight corruption in their professional lives.

Social reforms, including the enhancement of civil society’s role in monitoring government activities, are equally important. By empowering non-governmental organizations and the media, the Uzbek government aims to create a robust system of checks and balances. These reforms are essential for ensuring that anti-corruption measures are effectively implemented and maintained.

Challenges Ahead

Despite these significant strides, challenges remain. Deep-seated corruption cannot be eradicated overnight, and systemic change requires sustained effort and vigilance. The success of Uzbekistan’s anti-corruption drive will depend on the continued commitment of its leadership, the effectiveness of newly established institutions, and the active participation of civil society.

Moreover, balancing rapid economic liberalization with anti-corruption efforts presents its own set of challenges. Ensuring that economic reforms do not inadvertently create new opportunities for corrupt practices is critical. The government’s focus on transparency and accountability must be unwavering as it navigates these complex dynamics.

A Vision for the Future

As Uzbekistan moves forward, the vision of a corruption-free society remains a guiding principle. The upcoming elections and the legislative reforms that follow will be pivotal in shaping the future of the country. The government’s resolve to fight corruption, coupled with active public participation and international support, holds the promise of a more transparent, accountable, and prosperous Uzbekistan.

Uzbekistan’s battle against corruption is far from over, but the foundations laid by the Mirziyoyev administration provide a hopeful outlook. Transforming promises into action, the nation’s journey towards integrity and transparency is a testament to its commitment to building a better future for all its citizens.