After the death of the 78 year old President Karimov, who presided over rife human rights abuses, including the slaughter of protestors by security forces in the city of Andijan in 2005, elections have been held to coronate the new president Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Mr Mirziyoyez took home 88.6% of the vote, not far off the 90% victories Mr Karimov used to enjoy. There was no genuine opposition, and there is no free press. The incoming president, whilst a very direct heir of Mr Karimov, has made noises about reformed Uzbekistan’s economy, perhaps loosening currency controls to weaken the black market that permeates the country and enriches a few.

Corruption and rent-seeking, which plague the nation, are unlikely to disappear, nor are the shortages of electricity, gas petrol, and jobs. It is also not yet clear how much power the oncoming president will have, and whether authority will reside with the shadowy security chief, Rustam Inoyatov.

Read More (The Guardian)>>
Read More (Reuters)>>
Read More (The Economist)>>