Uzbekistan election: acting president expected to win easily
05.12.2016 - 20:19
Uzbekistan is holding its first presidential election since the death of Islam Karimov, the man who ruled the Central Asian country with an iron fist for 27 years. Uzbekistan is holding its first presidential election since the death of Islam Karimov, the man who ruled the Central Asian country with an iron fist for 27 years.
The result is predicted to be a foregone conclusion.
Acting president Shavkat Miriyoyev, who was long-time prime minister under Karimov, is expected to win by a landslide.
The 59-year-old became front-runner after the head of Uzbekistan’s Senate stepped aside – three other candidates taking part in the vote are seen to pose little challenge.
Miryoyev’s candidacy has also been openly supported by the leaders of neighbouring Central Asian countries. If elected, he is not expected to bring about major political change in the ex-Soviet Republic.
