Oliy Majlis

Oliy Majlis. The Oliy Majlis is the supreme legislative body of the Republic of Uzbekistan, operating as a bicameral parliament since a 2002 constitutional referendum. It succeeded the Supreme Soviet of the Uzbek SSR following the nation's independence from the Soviet Union. The parliament plays a central role in the country's political system, exercising authority over lawmaking, budgetary oversight, and the confirmation of key government officials.

History

The institution traces its origins to the Supreme Soviet of the Uzbek SSR, which governed the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic within the USSR. Following the Dissolution of the Soviet Union and the declaration of independence in 1991, the Supreme Soviet was formally replaced by the Oliy Majlis in 1994 under the new Constitution of Uzbekistan. Initially a unicameral body, it was transformed into a bicameral legislature in 2005 after a national referendum championed by then-President Islam Karimov. This structural change was part of broader political reforms, aligning the system with other post-Soviet states like Kazakhstan and Russia. Key historical sessions have addressed major national policies, including responses to events in the Fergana Valley and the nation's stance during the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021).

Structure and composition

The Oliy Majlis consists of two chambers: the lower Legislative Chamber and the upper Senate. The Legislative Chamber comprises 150 deputies elected from territorial constituencies, while the Senate has 100 members, with a mix of regional representatives and presidential appointees. This bicameral model is designed to balance regional interests with national policy, similar to structures in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. The parliament convenes in its official building in the capital, Tashkent, and its operations are defined by the Constitution of Uzbekistan and its internal Rules of Procedure. The Constitutional Court of Uzbekistan holds jurisdiction over interpreting the legality of its legislative acts.

Powers and functions

The parliament holds exclusive constitutional power to adopt laws, approve the state budget presented by the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan, and ratify international treaties. It exercises oversight over the executive branch, including the confirmation of the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan upon nomination by the President of Uzbekistan. The Oliy Majlis also approves declarations of war and states of emergency, appoints and dismisses the Chairman of the State Security Service of Uzbekistan and the Prosecutor General of Uzbekistan, and can initiate amendments to the constitution. Its legislative agenda often focuses on economic development, social policy, and alignment with international bodies like the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

Elections and membership

Elections to the Legislative Chamber are held every five years using a two-round system in single-member districts, as last seen in the 2021 Uzbek parliamentary election. The Central Election Commission of Uzbekistan administers the electoral process. Political parties such as the Uzbekistan Liberal Democratic Party, Milliy Tiklanish Democratic Party, and the Social Democratic Party of Uzbekistan compete for seats, though the political landscape has been dominated by pro-presidential factions. Senate members are selected partly by regional councils of Karakalpakstan, Tashkent, and other Regions of Uzbekistan, and partly by direct presidential appointment.

Leadership and committees

Each chamber is led by a presiding officer: the Chairman of the Legislative Chamber, currently Nurdinjan Ismailov, and the Chairman of the Senate, Tanzila Narbayeva, who also serves as the constitutional vice president. The chambers form permanent committees specializing in areas like budgetary affairs, international relations, and legislative and judicial issues. These committees, such as the Defense and Security Committee, conduct hearings, review draft laws, and oversee ministries like the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The leadership plays a crucial role in setting the legislative agenda in coordination with the Administration of the President of Uzbekistan.