Uzbek president proposes holding referendum on constitutional amendments

TASHKENT. June 20 (Interfax) - Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has proposed holding a nationwide referendum on amendments to the country's constitution.

"I believe if we hold a constitutional reform by means of a referendum based on the opinion and support of our citizens, it will be an expression of the will of our people, will truly be a people's constitution," presidential press secretary Sherzod Asadov wrote on his Telegram channel, quoting Mirziyoyev as saying at a meeting with members of the constitutional commission for proposals of amendments to the country's fundamental law on Monday.

Uzbek Senate First Deputy Speaker Sadyk Safayev said earlier that amendments to the country's constitution will allow incumbent President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to run for reelection.

Mirziyoyev called for amending the constitution in December 2021. He referred to public opinion and said it was necessary to augment the constitution with provisions to develop family institution, continue to strengthen inter-ethnic accord, ban child labor, protect the rights of disabled and elderly persons, and deal with ecological problems.

The Uzbek constitution was adopted on December 8, 1992.