Almost 400,000 people voted in the presidential election

 About 400,000 citizens voted early in the special presidential election scheduled for July 9 in Uzbekistan.  This was reported by the press service of the Central Election Commission of Uzbekistan (CEC).

“As of July 1, 2023, 376,623 voters exercised their right to vote early,” the report said.

It is noted that 275,592 citizens voted in the republic and 101,031 citizens abroad.

Earlier, it was reported that 19.66 million voters were registered for the presidential election of Uzbekistan, early voting started on June 28 and will end on July 5.

According to the Election Code, a voter who cannot be at his place of residence on the election day can vote early.  For this, he should apply to the precinct election commission, indicating that the reason for his absence on the election day may be vacation, business trip, going abroad or any other valid reason.

Earlier, the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, signed the law allowing early presidential elections, and later, by his decree, appointed them for July 9.

Previously, the Electoral Code allowed early elections only if the current president was unable to fulfill his duties for three months.  During this period, the powers of the head of state were transferred to the chairman of the Senate.  The presidential election in Uzbekistan before his last term was held on December 4, 2016, after the death of Islam Karimov, who ruled Uzbekistan for 27 years.