<news.bbc.co.uk>
Opposition
Opposition was relatively strong before 1992 in Uzbekistan. The most prominent opposition party originated from the Birlik (unity) association that was established in 1988. It was founded by Uzbek intellectuals. Birlik and Erk (Freedom) parties derived from it, forming the core of the secular opposition in Uzbekistan. On the other hand, the Islamic opposition was primarily linked to the Islamic Renaissance Party and fundamentalist groups in the Ferghana valley. It is often noted that Uzbekistan (with the exception of Tajikistan), from all the Central Asian Republics is the most affected by Islamization, and hence has also developed a strong ‘Islamophobia’. Islamic opposition in Uzbekistan is active and makes no attempt to conceal its attitude towards Karimov’s regime.
Presidential elections of 29, Dec, 1991. Karimov gives some freedom by allowing opposition parties to register and run in the elections. However, on the eve of the elections, the Supreme Council issues a new election law, requiring 60,000 signatures to run. This eliminated most of the opposition, leaving two legitimate candidates: Islam Karimov, leader of the People’s Democratic Party (formally a Communist Party) and Muhammad Solih, chairman of Erk Party. The vote resulted in a victory of 85% support for Karimov and only 12.4% for Solih.
Opposition groups prior to 1992
- Birlik Party
- Erk Party
- Islamic Renaissance Party
- Adolat (Justice) Youth Association
- Movement for Democratic Reforms
- Social Progress Party
- Vatan Taraqqiyoti (Homeland’s Progress) Party
- Turkestan Popular Movement
- Karabakh Committee
- Hezbollah (Allah’s Party) Islamic group
- Free Dehqan(Peasant) Party
- Human Rights Society of Uzbekistan
Political
groups in contemporary Uzbekistan
- People’s Democratic Party
- Adolat Social Democratic Party
- Vatan Taraqqiyoti Party
- Fidorkorlar (self-sacrificing) party
- Millii Tiklanish (National Revival) Party
- Free Dehqan Party
Parties that have never been allowed to register for elections
- Halq Birligi (aka Birlik) Party
- Erk Democratic Party
Banned Political groups
- Hezb-ut Tahrir
- Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan
*For detailed information about the some of the political groups, please visit the RFE/RL link
Today, opposition has almost fully been eliminated. However, the political struggle continues through the various clans within the state. There are three main areas where clans are particularly strong:
- Ferghana Valley
- Bukhara and Samarkand
- Tashkent (most active and abundant clan)
For info on Karimov’s
relationship with the clans, read the RFE/RL
article