Unstoppable Turdimov: Appointed regional governor for the fourth time
Review
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23 January
27000According to Article 121 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan, "The term of office of the governor is five years. The same person may not be appointed as the governor of the same region, district, or city for more than two consecutive terms." However, the constitution does not specify how many times a person can hold the position of governor.
Erkinjon Turdimov, who recently resigned as the governor of the Samarkand region, is now set to serve as the governor of a different region. On January 22, 2025, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev appointed Turdimov, 56, as the acting governor of the Syrdarya region. This followed the dismissal of Akmaljon Mahmudaliyev, who had been leading the region since 2022. Rumors of Mahmudaliyev’s resignation circulated early in the year, although he had denied them.
Turdimov's leadership journey
From Navoi to Surkhandarya, Samarkand, and now Syrdarya, Erkinjon Turdimov has become a key figure in regional governance. While he is currently serving as the acting governor of Syrdarya, it is widely anticipated that he will continue in this role, given his extensive experience. With over 25 years of service in various governor positions, Turdimov remains one of the most long-serving officials in the country. Comments on social media, such as "Syrdarya residents, are you ready to welcome such a governor?" reflect the public's mixed anticipation of his return.
Turdimov's career in public service began in 2000 when he was appointed governor of Khatirchi district in the Navoi region. After 8 years, he was promoted to the position of governor of Navoi region, where he served for another 8 years. In December 2016, Turdimov became the governor of Surkhandarya, and in 2018, he was appointed to Samarkand’s top position, replacing Turobjon Jurayev. His return to regional governance marks his fourth appointment to the position of mayor, and with his previous role as mayor of Khatirchi district, it is fair to say that this is the fifth time he has held a similar position.
In an interview with QALAMPIR.UZ, Turdimov reflected on his experiences across three regions (Navoi, Surkhandarya, Samarkand), highlighting their differences and challenges:
"Each of the three regions is unique, with its own set of issues and achievements. Navoi is an industrially advanced area with few social issues but requires more attention due to its vast desert expanses. Surkhandarya, though rich in agricultural potential, has historically lacked skilled workers, such as engineers and technologists. Its proximity to Afghanistan and its somewhat isolated position have led to slower development. However, recent strides in industrialization are evident. Samarkand, with its long history as a hub of science and education, is a complex and diverse region, home to 4 million people of different nationalities. As such, it presents the most challenges in terms of governance," Turdimov noted.
Turdimov denies bribery allegations and defends his integrity
In response to ongoing speculation about the integrity of his long career in governance, Erkinjon Turdimov has firmly denied any involvement in bribery, stating that he has never taken or given a bribe. In an exclusive interview with QALAMPIR.UZ, Turdimov emphasized the importance of maintaining a clean record, particularly for someone in his position, which has seen him appointed as governor of multiple regions over the years.
"My wife, two sons, and I work, and my daughter is studying. Our family budget is 30 million sums per month. We live within our means, with no extravagant expenses, only income. If I had a car, I would be able to cover all the costs. But as things stand, there is simply no need for bribes in our daily lives," Turdimov explained.
Turdimov, who previously served as the governor of Samarkand, was dismissed from his post on November 28, 2024. When asked for clarification on the circumstances surrounding his resignation, his press secretary, Manuchehr Mirzayev, stated that rumors regarding Turdimov’s departure had been false. There had also been similar rumors circulating in 2023, but the governor remained in office. Mirzayev suggested that the rumors may have been linked to Turdimov's health problems.
"Yes, it's well-known that he faces health issues and requires treatment for about 1-1.5 months each year. However, these challenges have not prevented him from fulfilling his responsibilities," Mirzayev added.
Throughout his tenure, Turdimov has gained attention for his unconventional initiatives, particularly in the Samarkand region. In 2020, he proposed establishing a center to train women for domestic work, highlighting the growing demand for housekeepers both locally and abroad, especially in Turkey. While the idea sparked controversy and was widely discussed on social media, it remains unclear whether the proposal was ever implemented.
In 2021, during an international conference in Samarkand, Turdimov was awarded a commemorative medal by Muhammad Qosim Halimi, the Minister of Guidance, Hajj, and Endowments of Afghanistan. The minister praised Turdimov, calling him the first Uzbek to receive such an honor.
Despite facing occasional controversy, Turdimov's continued success in regional governance and his commitment to his duties demonstrate his resilience in the face of public scrutiny.
Erkinjon Turdimov: A controversial but effective governor
The question of whether Erkinjon Turdimov is a good governor is a topic of much debate in Uzbekistan. Known for his long tenure in multiple regions, his leadership style has often sparked both admiration and criticism.
Unlike many local government officials who gain notoriety for their rude and harsh approaches, Turdimov’s leadership has been more measured, though not without its own controversies. While some governors are known for their authoritarian behavior, including the use of verbal tirades or physical intimidation, Turdimov’s methods have generally been less aggressive. However, he has not shied away from making bold statements or taking strong actions, which sometimes have raised eyebrows.
In January 2023, Turdimov made headlines when he ejected certain officials from a meeting after a snowstorm, accusing them of neglecting their duties in street cleaning. This incident, which was caught on video, added to his reputation for holding officials accountable. His criticism extended beyond local governance, with a notable instance in which he publicly reprimanded healthcare professionals for over-prescribing medications in collaboration with pharmaceutical companies.
Additionally, in February 2022, Turdimov made a controversial promise to reward journalists and bloggers who exposed negative news about officials.
"Starting from February 15, we will reward bloggers and journalists who bring negative news. I will find money separately. It doesn’t matter who brings it, even a person on the street," he said, sparking both support and concern about the implications of such a promise.
Despite his outspokenness, the public's assessment of Turdimov's work varies. A quote from the famous saying, "the people give the assessment," reflects the diverse opinions about his leadership. Ozod Jo’raboyev, a lawyer and activist with the “Ezgulik” human rights society in Samarkand, shared his experience working with Turdimov during his time as governor of Surkhandarya. Juraboyev praised Turdimov for his assistance in a case involving a wrongfully imprisoned district official, noting that Turdimov personally ensured the individual's treatment abroad, which led to his eventual acquittal.
"Many people were upset when he left Surkhandarya for Samarkand. I still hear people saying they miss their governor from Surkhandarya. In Samarkand, although the region is large and diverse, I think he has done well overall. Turdimov's leadership is often associated with economic development and maintaining a strong sense of responsibility for the well-being of the people. While Turdimov’s leadership has been effective in several regions, including Surkhandarya, Samarkand, and now Syrdarya, his approach remains controversial to some. Despite occasional critiques, there is widespread acknowledgment of his work ethic and his ability to manage diverse regions with varying challenges. His critics, however, claim that he relies on personal networks, suggesting that he tends to hire acquaintances and build teams based on loyalty, though this remains unverified. In conclusion, Erkinjon Turdimov's leadership can be seen as both a source of positive change and a cause of division. His track record in governance, particularly his approach to handling criticism and maintaining authority, has earned him a reputation as a strong, yet occasionally controversial figure in Uzbek politics," Juraboyev said.
When Uzbeks elect their governors?
Currently, governors in Uzbekistan are appointed and dismissed by the President. This includes governors of regions and Tashkent city, as outlined in Article 2 of the Law “On Local Government.” However, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has expressed his support for the election of governors by the people in the future.
"The people will elect governors of the region, district, and city, no matter how difficult it is. We will come to this day. The situation will change if the people demand a report from local authorities," President Mirziyoyev stated.
During discussions on amendments to the Constitution, Senator Tolibjon Madumarov mentioned, "Following these constitutional changes, the population would have the right to directly elect governors. He explained that Articles 99, 100, and 101 of the draft law on amending the Constitution aim to revise the local council structure. Under the proposed amendments, governors would no longer chair local councils; instead, a separate chairman would be elected from among the deputies of the local council. The governors themselves would be elected by the people. These changes would be enacted after a referendum and approval of the amendments to the Constitution."
However, the newly updated Constitution's Articles 99, 100, and 101 do not directly address the election of governors. Article 99 specifies that governors will no longer chair local councils, while Article 102 outlines the powers of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis. Article 109, which deals with the appointment and dismissal of governors in regions and Tashkent city, states that this remains within the President's authority.
As the country moves toward potential constitutional changes, the question of whether the people will be able to elect their governors remains an important topic for the future of local governance in Uzbekistan.
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