Mayors are prohibited from concurrently serving as the chairman of the council of people's deputies

In Uzbekistan, governors are similarly prohibited from concurrently serving as the chairman of the Council of People's Deputies. This prohibition is outlined in the draft law "On amendments and additions to some legal documents of the Republic of Uzbekistan in connection with the improvement of the constitutional foundations of local state power in the new version of the Constitution of Uzbekistan," which was reviewed in the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis and passed in the initial reading.

During the subsequent session of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis, a revised constitutional provision was included, specifying that an individual elected as chairman of the Council of People's Deputies and a person holding the position of regional, district, or city mayor cannot simultaneously hold both positions.

Additionally, under the new constitutional and legal framework, the roles of the mayor and chairman of the local council are distinct, necessitating a review and enhancement of existing legal documents.

A draft law prepared by a group of deputies of the Legislative Chamber, exercising legislative initiative, proposes amendments and supplements to enhance the authorities of governors and local councils in Uzbekistan.

Specifically, the draft law aims to:

• Have local council activities led by a chairman elected from among the deputies.
• Prohibit the chairman of the Council of People's Deputies from joining permanent and other commissions or party groups during their tenure.
• Require mayoral candidates to present regional development plans at council meetings.
• Mandate that documents approved by the local council and the governor be registered in the Unified Electronic System (E-qaror.gov.uz); unregistered documents would be considered invalid.

It is emphasized that adopting this draft law will enhance the effectiveness of local councils and increase governors' accountability to the people's representatives.

The provisions concerning the separation of duties between mayors and chairmen of local councils in the draft law will be implemented following the 2024 elections in regions and Tashkent city, and from January 1, 2026, in districts and cities.