Uzbek leader opts for efficient authoritarianism

Significance

He also announced a constitutional reform process, without elaborating. Mirzioyev was returned to office on October 24 in a carefully choreographed competition without genuine opponents. Since coming to power in 2016, he has pursued an ambitious reform agenda, but this is confined to economic and administrative changes designed to create a more prosperous society that supports the old political system.

Impacts

• Mirzioyev will build Uzbekistan's reputation as an impartial mediator with the Afghan Taliban.
• Uzbekistan will capitalise on friendlier ties with all its Central Asian neighbours.
• Moscow will continue courting Uzbek accession to its regional economic and security blocs.