Early voting for the presidential elections in Uzbekistan, scheduled for July 9, will begin on June 28. Because of the Kurban Hayit holiday, polling stations will open at 11:00 a.m. instead of 9:00 a.m. local time, the Central Election Commission press service reported on Tuesday.
"Tomorrow, June 28, early voting will begin. Starting tomorrow, June 28, the polling stations across the country will open at 11:00 a.m. They will work from 9:00 to 18:00 on weekdays and from 11:00 to 17:00 on weekends and holidays," reads the statement. Earlier, it was reported that in accordance with the presidential decree in connection with the holiday Kurban Hayit, June 28 is declared a public holiday in the republic, and June 29-30 also days off.
The press service of the Central Election Commission also reminded that early voting will end on July 5. According to the electoral code, a voter who is not able to be at his place of residence on the day of voting can vote early. To do this, they must apply to the precinct election commission, stating the reason for absence on the election day, which could be vacation, business trip, travel abroad or other valid reasons.
Earlier, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a law authorizing the holding of early presidential elections, and then scheduled early presidential elections for July 9 by his decree. The electoral code previously allowed for early elections only if the incumbent could not perform his duties for three months. During this period, the powers of the head of state were transferred to the chairman of the Senate.
On April 30, Uzbekistan held a national referendum on a new edition of the constitution that would extend the president's term of office from five to seven years and allow Mirziyoyev to be elected to the post again after two consecutive terms.
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Based on materials from TASS