Country Profile: Uzbekistan

GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS 
Overview: 
The constitution of 1992 calls for a secular, democratic government system, freedom 
of expression and religion, and the rule of law. However, in practice the presidency, a position 
occupied by Islam Karimov since independence, dominates all three branches of government. In 
the post-Soviet era, Karimov’s power has been enhanced by referenda and constitutional 
amendments and by the development of a very strong internal security force. Opposition parties 
have been stifled, and political life revolves around Karimov rather than around political parties. 
The prime minister, the cabinet, and the parliament have very limited powers, and the judicial 
branch is fully subordinate to the executive branch. Corruption is common in all government 
branches and at all levels, and clan membership is a vital qualification for positions. 
Executive Branch: 
Karimov has accumulated powers that ensure full dominance of the 
government process for as long as he is president. He appoints the prime minister, all members 
of the cabinet, all members of the judiciary, 16 members of the newly formed Senate, and all 
provincial executives. He also has cultivated or weakened the clans that form the traditional 
political fabric of Uzbekistan, including the powerful clan from Samarqand that put him in 

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Library of Congress – Federal Research Division Country Profile: Uzbekistan, February 2007 
 
 
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power. Karimov has used his direct control of the National Security Service to effectively limit 
opposition activity. The cabinet is a rubber-stamp aggregation of six deputy prime ministers, 14 
ministers, and the heads of five agencies and state committees. Karimov’s daughter, Gulnara 
Karimova, reportedly aspires to succeed her father.