President of Uzbekistan facts for kids

Quick facts for kids President of the Republic of Uzbekistan
Presidential flag of Uzbekistan
Presidential Seal of Uzbekistan
Incumbent Shavkat Mirziyoyev since 8 September 2016
Style	His Excellency (international correspondence) Mr President (informally) Supreme commander-in-chief (military)
Residence	Ok Saroy Presidential Palace (1991–2016) Kuksaroy Presidential Palace (since 2016)
Seat	Tashkent
Appointer	Popular vote
Term length	7 years, renewable once
Inaugural holder	Islam Karimov
Formation	24 March 1990 (President of the Uzbek SSR) 1 September 1991 (President of Uzbekistan)
Salary	177,528,000 Uzbekistani sum/$15,600 USD annually

The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan is the main leader of Uzbekistan. This person is both the head of the country and the head of the government's executive branch.

The role of President started in 1991. Before that, the leader was called the Chairperson of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Uzbek SSR. The President is chosen directly by the people of Uzbekistan through an election. To vote, citizens must be at least 18 years old. The President serves for a term of seven years and can be re-elected once.

Islam Karimov was the first President of Uzbekistan. He served for 25 years after the position was created. He won three elections. His third election was discussed because the Constitution usually allowed only two terms. The official explanation was that his first term was under an older Constitution and did not count towards the new limit. He passed away while in office on September 2, 2016.

After his death, Prime Minister Shavkat Mirziyoyev was chosen as the temporary President on September 8, 2016. In December 2016, Mirziyoyev was elected President by the people. International observers noted some concerns about the fairness of this election, including limits on media reporting.

How the President is Elected

Who Can Be President?

The Constitution of Uzbekistan sets rules for who can become President. A person must be at least 35 years old. They must also speak the official language, which is Uzbek, very well. Finally, they must have lived in Uzbekistan for at least ten years.

When a new President takes office, they must make a special promise. This promise is called an oath. Article 92 of the Constitution describes this oath:

I do solemnly swear to faithfully serve the people of Uzbekistan, to strictly follow the Constitution and laws of the Republic, to guarantee the rights and freedoms of its citizens, and to conscientiously perform the duties vested in the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

When taking this oath, the President places their hand on the Constitution of Uzbekistan and also on the Quran.

Voting Rules

The Constitution says that the President is elected by the people of Uzbekistan. Everyone who can vote has an equal say. The voting is direct and done by secret ballot. This means people vote directly for their chosen candidate, and their choice is kept private.

What the President Does

The Constitution of Uzbekistan explains the President's many important jobs and powers. Here are some of them:

• The President makes sure that the rights and freedoms of citizens are protected. They also ensure that the Constitution and laws of Uzbekistan are followed.
• They take steps to protect Uzbekistan's independence, safety, and borders.
• The President represents Uzbekistan both inside the country and in dealings with other nations.
• They lead talks and sign agreements with other countries. They also make sure these agreements are kept.
• The President receives official representatives from other countries.
• They present yearly reports to the Oliy Majlis (parliament) about important issues in the country.
• The President forms and leads the government's executive branch. They create or close ministries and other government bodies.
• They suggest a person to lead the Senate, which is part of the parliament.
• The President suggests a person to be the Prime Minister. The parliament then considers and approves this choice. The President can also remove the Prime Minister from their job.
• They approve members of the Cabinet of Ministers, who are suggested by the Prime Minister.
• The President appoints important judges and officials, often with approval from the Senate.
• They sign new laws. The President can also send a law back to the parliament for another discussion if they have objections.
• If Uzbekistan is attacked, or if there's a serious threat, the President can declare a state of war. This decision must be approved by the parliament within 72 hours.
• In very serious situations, like a major disaster or epidemic, the President can declare a state of emergency. This also needs parliament's approval within 72 hours.
• The President is the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. They appoint military leaders and give out high military ranks.
• They give out awards, medals, and honorary titles to people in Uzbekistan.
• The President decides on matters of citizenship and can grant political asylum.
• They can suggest acts of amnesty (forgiving certain crimes) or pardons for people sentenced by courts.
• The President forms the National Security Service and appoints its head, with the Senate's approval.
• They also have other powers given by the Constitution and laws.

Presidential Administration

The Office of the President of Uzbekistan helps the President with information, advice, and organization. This office works directly for the President. It follows the Constitution, laws, and the President's orders.

How it is Organized

The Presidential Administration has a Head and several Deputy Heads. It also includes:

• A Presidential Spokesperson.
• Several Presidential Advisors who help with different areas like public service, legal matters, citizens' rights, youth, science, education, health, and sports.
• The Rector of the Academy of Public Administration, which is a school under the President.
• A Head of the Department of Finance.
• Advisors who focus on the economy, investments, and foreign trade.

National Security Council

The National Security Council advises the President on matters of national safety and defense.

Presidential Homes

Modern joint-press conferences are usually held in the halls of Kuksaroy.

The main official home and workplace of the President is the Kuksaroy Presidential Palace in Tashkent. This has been the official residence since 2016. Before that, the Ok Saroy Presidential Palace was used by President Islam Karimov.

Another residence used by the President is called Durmen. It is also located in Tashkent, in the Qibray District. Since 2016, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has used this area for a new presidential compound. This new area includes a special highway and buildings with fancy materials like Argentinian blue marble and Swarovski crystals.

Presidential Security and Travel

A Boeing 767-300

The Uzbek government uses special planes for the President's travel. These include a Boeing 767-300 and an Airbus A320-200. These planes are used for official visits to other countries and for travel within Uzbekistan. They have Uzbekistan's flag on their tails instead of the airline's logo, showing they are presidential planes.

For travel on land, the President uses a special Mercedes-Benz S-Class car. This car transports the President around Tashkent and to their residence. The National Guard of Uzbekistan and the State Security Service are in charge of keeping the President safe when they travel. The Kuksaroy Palace is always protected by members of the armed forces and the State Security Service.

List of Presidents of Uzbekistan

Latest Election Results

See also

In Spanish: Presidente de Uzbekistán para niños

• List of leaders of Uzbekistan
• Vice President of Uzbekistan
• Prime Minister of Uzbekistan
• Politics of Uzbekistan