Uzbekistan’s president clings to power while passing liberal reforms
A new constitution would recognise individual rights and allow Shavkat Mirziyoyev to prolong his rule
“THE CONSTITUTION is yours!” proclaim red banners emblazoned on billboards and on buses zipping around Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s capital. As Uzbeks prepare to cast ballots in a referendum on constitutional reform on April 30th, the government is whipping up such a fervour for a yes vote that even children have been dragooned in support. In a video that sparked mockery on social media, a nursery teacher led a group of tots in chanting pro-constitutional reform slogans.
This article appeared in the Asia section of the print edition under the headline “Enough Mirziyoyev”
From the April 22nd 2023 edition
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